The Slip ‘n Slide evolves

Lindsay Sandham

For decades, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort has served as a family

retreat for tourists and locals. In keeping with its goal of offering

something to people of all ages, Moe B’s Watersports -- named for the

recreational vehicle park and marina’s mascot whale -- has recently

reopened under new ownership.

The aquatic wonderland -- complete with water teeter-totters,

multi-purpose climbing devices and a water trampoline -- was operated

by Resort Watersports for two years until the Dunes acquired all the

equipment and the rights to the park this spring.

The plastic inflatable toys featured at Moe B’s include two

different sized “icebergs,” or climbing devices; a giant trampoline

enclosed by climbing walls; two “water-totters”; and a “Saturn moon

beam,” which children can climb on and jump off into the water.

Resort General Manager Andrew Theodorou said the changes to the

park are in service and marketability -- resort guests are now

entitled to a substantial discount to use the park’s water

attractions.

But it is open to the general public as well. For $10 an hour, $20

for four hours or $30 for a full day, guests can enjoy the water

toys. It will be open every day during the summer, although it is

contingent on the weather.

The waveless beach is a safe environment, with several

city-certified lifeguards on duty at all times, a park spokesman

said, so parents can feel comfortable leaving their kids while they

enjoy other draws of the area, such as the kayak, electric boat and

catamaran rentals.

Marta Hayden, executive director of the Newport Beach Conference

and Visitors Bureau, said the Newport Dunes is enticing for locals as

well as visitors because of its beach access and multiple activities.

“You can go and park there for $10 and access the beach,” she

said. “It’s all clean and nice for families. It’s a beautiful

facility.”

Jim Brancucci, manager of Moe B’s Watersports, said he does not

know of anything similar to Moe B’s in this area.

“I think it’s the best-kept secret,” he said. “The kids -- they go

nuts when they see [the toys] out there.”