For those competitors who revel in the...

For those competitors who revel in the thrill of victory ...

Surf City’s athletes in love couldn’t be in a better place.

THE DATE

* 6 a.m.: Wake him up with the surfboards mounted on the car, his

wetsuit at the foot of the bed and a cup of coffee brewing. Surfing,

more than any other sport, brings you directly into the embrace of

Mother Nature, and really, what could possibly be more romantic?

* 9 a.m.: When you’re sufficiently waterlogged, trot across the

street to the Sugar Shack Downtown for a hearty brunch of bacon, eggs

and short-stacks.

* 11 a.m.: Challenge another couple to a game of beach volleyball.

If there are no takers, cruise down to Malibu Ocean Sports in Sunset

Beach and rent a two-person kayak. Take it across the street into the

open ocean (you may see some dolphins) or go for a leisurely paddle

in the harbor.

* 1:30 p.m.: Rent some roller-blades or beach cruisers and race

along the bluffs. Work up a sweat together. Hold her hand. Girls like

that.

* 4 p.m.: Honor your burning muscles with a massage at Spoiled in

HB on Warner Avenue or the Body Center on Beach Boulevard.

* 8 p.m.: Grab some burgers and home-brewed beer at the Huntington

Beach Beer Co.

* 10 p.m.: Now that you’ve exercised, burned a couple thousand

calories and sweated last night’s toxins out of your body, go home

and relax the way you do best -- cuddling to the sports channel.