If you're a surfing novice who wants to wants to give it a whirl while in Los Angeles, you need to remember this number one rule. When you have no idea about surfing, then do at least this one thing: Stay out of the way of those who do. The hardcore surf rats may have no qualms about mowing over some inept tourist. Not only is staying out of the way generally good manners -- and safer all around -- but there remain some vestiges of the fierce regionalism that characterized the surfing scene in the mid-'70s, when "Locals only" was the rallying cry.

Besides, surfing isn't something you can suddenly just up and do. Arrange for surfing lessons at Malibu Ocean Sports (22935 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu; 310-456-6302); hang with them, and you'll be much the wiser.

And finally, keep the following in mind for a happy, healthy dip in the ocean: If you're a boogie boarder, stay away from the surfers, and if you're body surfing, stay away from the boogie boarders and the surfers.