Oh it definitely was better back in the day π without a shred of a doubt. We were lucky to experience uncrowded breaks. I'd love to see California but yeah I can't fathom the crowds. That's the thing - we aren't as crowded as some places in the world!
Ooh yeah, jeez, I could do with a tropical dip about now!!! Without crocodiles π or stingers πͺΌ πͺΌ though! Still, cold water wakes you up and energizes you.