Bodyboarding Question and Business Question

Hi,

I love your website --so much good stuff on here. I live outside of NYC, about an hour from the NY shore (Long Island), and an hour from the NJ shore. Unfortunately, I don't surf --I'm a sponger-- because I've never had the time to devote to learning. If I lived closer or at the beach for the entire summer, then I would've done it right and taken lessons and become a surfer. Either way, awesome site --and I loved that you gave bodyboarders a chance to upload stories as well.

I have two questions --one personal, and one professional.

#1 I may try and plan a trip for the first week in November to Cali. I've never been, and have always wanted to check it out. If I go though, I'm bringing my board and we're going to hit a shore town. I'm trying to find a good beach to bodyboard --something outside of the Red Triangle!, and some place where I won't get swallowed alive by the ocean. (I have no interest in bodyboarding The Wedge, as I will become paralyzed there. I would definitely be stoked to see it though). Any recommendations?

#2 I've been working on a bodyboarding website, which is kind of my creative outlet since I can't always walk out my door, hop on my bike, and hit the waves --I mentioned that I have like an hour drive. I've been doing some research, and I've heard that it's possible to earn some extra side money using Google AdSense. I see that you have Google ads on your site, and I think I may have also seen some direct ads from some other businesses. My question is what are your thoughts on it all? Is your site earning you a little cash on the side? I have a full-time job --my site would be a hobby that hopefully earns a little extra money.

I'd really appreciate your input on both topics, if you don't mind. Thanks so much.

Jon