Waves crashing, seagulls calling, kites catching a stiff wind ... sights and sounds fill the air on this California state beach in Orange County. Brightly colored kites and ocean breezes propel these freestyle kiteboarders over the Pacific surf, a radical sport that has taken off over the last decade. One of a handful of extreme sports, kiteboarding or kitesurfing is not for everyone, taking raw talent or pre-training measures. New materials and improved designs have brought almost a quarter million riders to the sport. Kiteboarding subtleties range from wakestyle and waveriding to freestyle, jumping and cruising.
   This scene captures a group of surfers on the Huntington State Beach making the best of a breezy day. Centered about halfway between Long Beach and Newport Beach, the Huntington and Bolsa Chica state beaches extend for nine miles on the northern Orange County coast. These broad beaches, under state controls, have been transformed from the old Shell Beach and Tin Can Beach, to today's popular attractions. This beach park is perfect for hiking, biking, picnicking and water sports.
   Huntington Beach is best known as the site for the Pro/Am Surf Series Surfing Competition, attracting over half a million people during the nine day event. Taking place during late July or early August, this popular event fills the area hotels to the max, so plans should be made early.

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