MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — Once a year, Derek Levy dons a specially made “Santa wetsuit” along with a gray beard and hat to surf the waves at Manhattan Beach. Children flock to him to tell him what they want for Christmas. 

“This is the spirit of Christmas,” Levy said, who grew up on that beach and became a local surf legend.

“It just brings joy,” Levy said.

When asked why he was not up at the North Pole with his elves, Levy responded, “Santa needs a break before the big night. And I get most of my relaxation by going surfing.”