It Didn't Happen by Dave Csira

It didn’t happen again this year. Without question, this is Laguna Beach’s most epic event that officially never happens. For 34 years, the Aquathon, an eight-mile hike-swim from Emerald Bay to Three Arch Bay, has been scheduled and then canceled, although more than 200 enthusiastic Aquathoners participate. Organizer, Gary Cogorno, stands before the crowd on the beach of Emerald Bay stating “The Aquathon has been canceled. There is no Aquathon. There has never been an Aquathon. Don’t be stupid and try to swim and hike the entire length of Laguna Beach. Go Home!”

At this, in typical Aquathon fashion, the crowd cheers raucously and sprints to the surf, armed with goggles, fins, sunscreen and wetsuits. Grinning and laughing hysterically. Participants tell of the hidden gems that are discovered along the way, even for those who have lived their entire lives in Laguna Beach: caves, blow holes, secret bikini-sized beaches that are only accessible by swimming in and rock formations that defy gravity.

Completion of the trek culminates in a “Survivors Party” at a pre-designated location. This year it was at the wonderful Lost Pier Café, operated by the The Ranch. The “survivors” exchange stories, compare scrapes and bruises, and make new friendships. Perhaps the most heart-warming and rewarding part of the entire non-event is how so many of the participants help other participants along the way. At every stop, fellow members are there to push, pull, lift, encourage, cheer-on, lend a hand and assist in any way possible. This is the true spirit of Laguna Beach, exemplified in an event that never takes place.