The water’s fine in San Diego — especially this time of year, when the boating and water sports seasons are in full swing. Throughout this month, The San Diego Community Newspaper Group is featuring several articles on the summer’s local surf and turf action. So grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and dive in to our August entries; they’ll help illustrate why San Diego is such a great place to play! Among the jewels in the crown of San Diego’s marine playground are the Peninsula communities of Point Loma, Ocean Beach and Shelter Island — each with its own identity, charm and allure. Water sports and activities abound in the summer. At the Ocean Beach Pier, the longest concrete pier on the West Coast at 1,971 feet, this 43-year-old platform is the perfect venue for snapping up fare from the shimmering Pacific Ocean. Prepare to grab your tackle box as we explore not only pier fishing but charter boat fishing excursions from the serenity of beautiful Shelter Island. Point Loma is also home to excellent tidepools to satisfy the curious and bring young and old alike closer to nature. This same spectacular location below the lighthouse at the west end of Point Loma is perfect for catching sight of gray whales in the winter. And summertime isn’t just for people. Dog Beach in Ocean Beach allows our four-legged friends to mingle freely with their own kind and create special bonds with their human counterparts. From fishing to kayaking and from boating to surfing, we’ll explore the many unique facets of the Peninsula and the wealth of water-related activities available at your fingertips with our monthlong summer series, San Diego H20. — Beacon staff