July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Author Sheds Light On The Ocean In First Published Book “Wave Riding”:

Neil Grunig’s 19 years of surf experience has afforded him the opportunity to share his experiences and perspective on surfing and the ocean in his first published book.

“Wave Riding: The Life and Times of a Surfer” does not only chronicle Grunig’s surfing endeavors, but it also seeks to impart how riding waves can shed light on the power and importance of the ocean.

For Grunig, the impetus behind writing a book was to educate and inform as many people as possible about surfing and the ocean.

“The emphasis was to reach more people,” Grunig said. “On the beach, I teach individuals, but in a book I can reach a larger group of people.”

The book isn’t just autobiographical, but is also speaks of ocean and marine life in addition to teaching surfing.

Grunig was able to break down the way he teaches surfing on the beach, into writing.

He said he wanted to reach a large group of people because he has an important message he hoped readers would get from his book.

“I want people to understand the power of the ocean,” he said. “The ocean is the most important catalyst on Earth and I want people to understand this and love the ocean, and also to take care of it.”

The underlying message of the book is to take care of the ocean and the environment in general.

Originally hailing from Maryland, Grunig spent many summers during college in Ocean City, where he first developed a passion for surfing.

“As soon as I caught my first wave, I was instantly hooked,” Grunig said. “I fell in love with beach culture and the ocean.”

After continuing his summers surfing in Ocean City, Grunig eventually decided to move to Newport Beach, where he further developed his love for the waves.

“I was surfing constantly and I was completely encapsulated in it and becoming more and more embedded into the whole culture of it,” Grunig said.

As his love for the sport grew, so did his talent, as he was eventually able to surf 20-foot waves.

His time surfing in Newport Beach soon led him on a new path, as he began teaching surfing to students in Santa Monica.

“Teaching allowed me to look at surfing in a completely new way, which helped me with my own surfing,” Grunig said.  

For Grunig, teaching surfing is not just about explaining the mechanics of the movements, but also about informing students about beach culture.  

“When you are by the beach you become immersed in that particular community,” Grunig said. “When you live by the beach everything is focused around the ocean and this niche develops.”

Since Santa Monica attracts international visitors, Grunig has taught surfing students from all over the world.

“The school I worked for brought in people from all over the world: Ireland, Germany, France, and Asia,” he said.

Even though Grunig has seen students from all over the globe, he also hopes to keep the surf enthusiasm alive in his own home, as he is currently teaching his sons how to surf.

Grunig’s most recent project includes instructional surfing videos on YouTube.

Grunig’s videos are based off of portions from his book.

“I go out into the water and take shots of myself surfing and incorporate that with information on where I’m at,” Grunig said.

Currently, Grunig has posted three videos, under the name: Neil Grunig The Wave Rider.

To order “Wave Riding: The Life and Times of a Surfer,” visit amazon.com/Wave-Riding-Life-Times-Surfer.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...