Swami’s
More than just a good place to surf.

The Beach

            The beach surface at Swami’s, like other beaches, is “season-influenced” as the longer, more forceful winter waves carry sand seaward, and the shorter, gentler summer waves tend to deposit sand.  Although the surf, sand, rocks, and reefs provide for an interesting and fun time at the beach, the expanse of sandy beach “sunbathing” area is somewhat limited. 

            Plant and animal life on the beaches is much less obvious and less abundant than on the bluff or in the tide pools.  The two main reasons for this are the constant movement of the sand by the incoming waves which doesn’t allow plant roots to take hold, and extremes of temperature and moisture as the tides rise and fall.  Several species of small animals are commonly found, however.  Sand Fleas are usually found under piles of kelp that have been washed ashore.  Sand Pill Bugs show up in mole-like holes above the high tide mark.  Sand Crabs bury themselves in the wave-washed sand up to their eyes and feathery antennas, which gather their food from each successive wave.  When they are uncovered by the breaking surf, they immediately bury themselves in preparation for the next wave. 

            Several species of birds may be feeding, small Sanderlings that run in and out with each wave, any of several local species of sea gulls, or some long-beaked birds (perhaps a Godwit or a Curlew) probing in the sand for their food.