Zuma Day, Cloudy Mind: Why I Go Anyway

Gear I useAdventures of All Sizes
Written By Coach Vida

It wasn’t sunny. That’s the first thing I’ll say. We packed up for Zuma Beach knowing full well the clouds weren’t going to lift. It was one of those days where most people would cancel. But I don’t wait for perfect conditions anymore. Not with the week I had.

There’s something about walking the edge of the Pacific when the sky is gray it matches your mood without making it worse. The waves still roll. The air still wakes you up. And when your feet hit that cold, packed sand in water shoes, something shifts.

I brought cash. I always do when we head toward the coast, because LA street vendors are part of the rhythm of the city. We ended up buying three ice creams, no one planned it, but the woman’s cart looked too good to pass up. I snapped a photo of her setup, careful not to include her face, just the color and care in her display. There’s something sacred about the people who show up and serve, regardless of the forecast.

We laughed together putting up the umbrella, even though we never got the full group setup captured which I would love to add here, it didn’t matter. The process itself felt like a small act of joy. A cold plunge followed unplanned, freezing, perfect. The kind of moment that shocks your body but softens your heart.

I wore my neon visor hat and walked along the water with waves lapping at my ankles. The sun didn’t show up until we were leaving. Typical. But I didn’t need it to feel full. The movement did that. The team did that.

My Toyota Sienna fit everything. Trolley, gear, snacks all of it. There’s a special kind of satisfaction in opening your trunk and seeing your entire plan packed in with purpose. I even took a picture of the beach trolley wheels carving into the sand, pulling our day behind them.

Parking was $8 in the main lot , totally worth it for the peace of mind and easy access. But plenty of people parallel park along PCH for free, if you're down to walk a little. There are public restrooms and porta potties near the lifeguard stations, which is key when you’re spending a full day out there. No-frills, but functional. Bring your own wipes or sanitizer just in case.

One more thought.

Work and hustle are honorable. At FormaFit, this is part of how we move we honor effort, we honor effort, whether it’s the vendor on the shore or the team setting up in the sand, we respect the process, and we show up even when it’s not pretty.

Some days you go to feel good. Some days you go to remember you’re still here. This was both.

Visit Zuma Beach

Products I used and loved:

#FormaFit #sinlímites #stayready #MuéveteSinLímites

This is my favorite part of the day sometimes, taking these shoes off, taking this pic, and then shaking the sand off. I love the beach!

More on FormaFit Active

Coach Vida

Coach Vida is the voice behind FormaFit Active a movement journal rooted in mindful motion, real gear, cultural pride, and showing up without apology.
She believes in slow mornings, walking when it hurts, and building strength that feels like freedom.

Her motto: You don’t have to look like an athlete to move like one.

She writes from Los Angeles, with a speaker clipped on and sunscreen always in the bag. This journal is for anyone reclaiming energy, stretch by stretch.

Coach Vida es la voz detrás de FormaFit Active, un diario de movimiento con raíces en el cuerpo, la cultura y la intención.
Cree en moverse con calma, en estirarse cuando duele, y en la fuerza como libertad.

Su lema: No tienes que parecer atleta para moverte como uno.

Escribe desde Los Ángeles, con su bocina a un lado y bloqueador en la mochila.
Este espacio es para quienes se están reclamando, paso a paso.

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