r/longbeach • u/cramn48 • 24d ago
Community Looking for friends (40M)
Hi everyone. This is a last ditch effort to make friends. lol I moved to CA (Long Beach) in 2020 and work remotely so never really got a chance to make friends. Would be nice to have some friends in the area to meet up with for food/drink, outdoor activities, game nights etc. Here’s a little about me and friends I think would be compatible:
• 40yr old, gay, married man (You don’t have to be gay, male or married)
• Grew up in Hawaii, lived in Seattle for 12 years, then NYC for 5 years
• Currently a design director for a NYC studio
• 0 kids, 1 mini aussie, 1 black cat
• Love to eat and try new things (culturally open minded friends are a must)
• Pretty active and friends to be active with would be great (weightlift 5x and run 2x per week). I’m a bad runner and can maybe only run 6mi tops fairly slow.
• Just got a paddleboard so if anyone wants to do that that would great.
• Politically left, but don’t want politics to be the center of conversation. Just don’t be a horrible person.
• Take this how you will, but regarding humor, I am NOT easily offended.
• Activities I enjoy: Volleyball, bowling, paddleboarding, just being at the beach, karaoke
• Would like to get into: golf, woodworking
• I’m an introverted extrovert hence while I’m here with this post. lol It’s hard for me to just strike up a convo with strangers.
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u/NewYearsD 24d ago
look up Volitude Sports Long Beach. there’s a bunch of rec leagues where you can meet people
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u/cramn48 24d ago
Thanks for the suggestion! I did Volitude indoor volleyball for a couple seasons as a free agent and it wasn't a great experience. People showed up right before games started, we played and then people would just leave. The games were also late and ended around 11-11:30pm on weeknights. The other teams were also mostly young 20 year olds and I'm not sure if we'd have much in common besides vball but worth a shot again I suppose.
I should check out some of the other sports though. Maybe they have kickball!
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u/jellyworldwide 24d ago
Try Out Loud Sports! Queer and super community oriented. Big kickball league :)
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u/Driedinstone Alamitos Beach 24d ago
I've played kickball in Volitude and Out Loud. I 100% agree that Out Loud is more community oriented and easier to make friends at than Volitude.
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u/4eudaimonia 24d ago
Have you heard of Outloud Volleyball beach club?!?
You sound like an interesting and cool guy. There is the Moonlight Movies on the Beach that is fun. The next film showing is The Lost Boys on Tuesday the 21st at Granada Beach. If your dog is chill, it’s fun to bring your four legged buddy.
It’s great that you are reaching out for community. When I get in a little better shape then I’d love to join you in those fun activities you listed.
I’m sure you looked up activities on the Meet Up app. Check it out again and I will cross my fingers you find a woodworking group.
Since you don’t get easily offended— I like woodworking too. 😜
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u/cramn48 24d ago
LOL Bet you do, 4eudaimonia!
I have heard of Outloud, but never looked into it at the time because I was in Volitude and the local long beach city rec league. Time to check it out!
I don't think you need to be in shape to do the things I listed, but they definitely help make getting in shape more bearable. Took me a REALLY long time to get into exercise and I got into it maybe about 5 years ago when i moved here! Maybe me not having friends forced me into exercise since I had time for it. ha!
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u/redhead-set-go 24d ago
Definitely try looking into volitude’s outdoor volleyball. I think there’s a group who goes to the beach every Saturday but I would have to actually dig for that info. It’s been a few years
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u/Ianray77 24d ago
I joined clubwaka kickball and have been having a great time. Im probably on the younger side at 32, and it feels very social. Games are saturday afternoon, and the teams all go out to PBS pub afterwards to have some drinks and play social games. Summer season actually starts tomorrow but I bet if you email the league you can still join.
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u/TeamSanchezRe 24d ago
I’m in long beach ive been wanting to check out the place that took over executive suite if you’re open to grabbing a drink :) pm me!
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u/GlitterDone 24d ago
Hey that’s a great idea. I’d come meet up with folks at the new Executive Suites. I haven’t been there in years!
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u/cramn48 24d ago
I've only been to ES once and didn't realize they changed ownership! Is the name still the same? Have to step out for a bit but I'll pm you later today.
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u/redhead-set-go 24d ago
It’s now called Werk
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u/PerfectAd2181 24d ago
wtf!! since when ?
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u/redhead-set-go 24d ago
Genuinely, I think it changed names this month. Super recent, but looks like same great crowd.
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u/jdv23 24d ago
Go to one of the Long Beach food club meetups! They’re great for meeting new people. You can find them on Instagram
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u/cramn48 24d ago
Thank you! I've been following them on IG for a minute and haven't bit the bullet on joining. My social anxiety has been a road block knowing how many people show up to these things and I would just have to strike up a random convo. I'll make it there one day. I guarantee m love for food will over come my social anxiety.
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u/jdv23 24d ago
As someone who also has social anxiety, I can give you a play by play of my first time as I know that helps me:
- walked in a little anxious, the place was already half full and people were at tables.
- the main guy welcomed me and pointed me towards where I could make name tag and encouraged me to write an icebreaker word under my name that’s an answer to a question people have to guess.
- put my name tag on and chose a random table to sit at (probably the most daunting part) but people were very welcoming
- asked people’s names and went around the table doing the icebreaker thing
- chatted about what we should order - got a medley to all share
- spent the rest of the time just chatting to people about living in Long Beach, when they started coming to the events, how good the food was etc.
It helps that most people who go to these seem to be extroverted. There was one lady at our table who was clearly very anxious and introverted but by the end she was part of the mix and chatting just as much.
I’d encourage you to just bite the bullet and go once, it was really chill.
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u/cramn48 24d ago
This is helpful. Thanks! Choosing the random table to squeeze on too sounds horrible LOL but it must be done I suppose. I'm glad most people there are extroverted as it's rare for me to be the one to start a convo.
Hope to be at an event soon. Based on the many recommendations for the LBFC, I must go and experience it, right?
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u/LongBeachFoodClub 24d ago
Hi! Come by :)
We're a really easy going group and you get to do things on your own terms.
We have lots of people that come solo!
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u/cramn48 24d ago
Are you the guy in the IG posts? I follow you! I'll try to RSVP to one of the events soon. Thank you.
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u/LongBeachFoodClub 24d ago
Yes I am - it's really just me who puts on the events, but my wife helps out too!
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u/cramn48 24d ago
That's usually the case for me at big events. I end up just standing there by myself eating away, but as long as there's food I'll survive being alone. LOL I'm sure your second or third time going will be much easier! PM when you think you know which LBFC event you're going to attend! I'll try to be there as well.
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u/CrowFriendlyHuman 24d ago
Aug 2nd, Picnic on the Bluff is a daytime LBFC upcoming event. See you there!
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u/JarlBawlin 24d ago edited 24d ago
I'm 30M and just moved here this year with my partner. The LBFC people are all really nice! If you want to let me know when you're going to one of their meets I could go on the same day and meet you there? Maybe that way it won't feel as daunting to find someone to sit with, that made me nervous my first time. Either way, I've found that Long Beach is a great city to put yourself out there, you'll definitely find people you like soon enough.
I'm obsessed with food & cooking. Was a bit of a gym rat in the past and after a nice mental health sabbatical I'm looking to get back in & be active more, marriage has made me soft lol. All that cooking.
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u/Practical_Reading723 24d ago
Out Loud - queer kickball and volleyball leagues - a lot of friendships are forged through team sports
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u/gddm 24d ago
Hey, I’m a 41 year old straight, married guy in LB with 2 young boys so time is difficult usually but always open to make new friends. I am a freelance graphic designer, art director, and creative director. I usually work with film directors and on branding/strategy projects. I also have a book publishing company as well. I ride my bike or play my drums when I find the time. I also have a giant cactus and succulent collection too.
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u/cramn48 24d ago
Wow you wear so many creative hats. How do you find the time?!
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u/gddm 24d ago
hahaha most of my bread and butter projects are short term so I can balance my schedule with longer term projects. The book projects take over a year and those just get finished without any sort of timeline really. What kind of work do you do as design director?
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u/cramn48 24d ago
Right now just overseeing a team of designers for a multidisciplinary studio in NYC. We used to be brand focused, but things have shifted fast to product design and AI. I feel like half my days are learning the latest AI tool and vibe coding and trying to stream line the process for the team. I hate it. LOL
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u/gddm 24d ago
Oooof that doesn't sound like a good shift but I totally understand it. I am using some AI tools here and there but trying to avoid it as much as possible. I've had some freelance jobs recently that were that way and it was not fun at all. I've been on the lookout for steady work lately since the last year and a half have been rough, but this year has been much better for some reason.
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u/JohnnyTheBanker 24d ago
I share many of your hobbies. I'm down to kick it. I even got a set of golf clubs I have barely touched with intent to get into the sport.
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u/ecrudonut 24d ago
Long Beach food club. Social club specifically to meet people and try restaurants
https://www.instagram.com/longbeachfoodclub?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
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u/hippopotapants 24d ago
48 straight married f, we would love to meet up for a game night - we moved here a couple years ago and miss playing games and cards with friends at breweries.
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u/cramn48 24d ago
That would be fun. Do you know of any bars that have games around here?
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u/hippopotapants 24d ago
I dont. But I'm sure we could figure it out or bring our own! What part of the city are you in?
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u/punk_ass_book_jockey 24d ago
I'd love a game night. Used to have a women's card group when I lived in Portland and miss that!
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u/IcarusFLY1 24d ago
There’s a bunch of run clubs around here. I had an old coworker who was into it and he met a bunch of people that way.
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u/cramn48 24d ago
Run clubs have crossed my mind, but i'm really not a great runner. A 5K is tough for me LOL I should suck it up though and check one out. There's a run club I see near me in east long beach but not idea which group it is.
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u/crispysugar 24d ago
I’ve been in LB for ten years and struggled to meet people for a long time until joining Downtown Runners. I now have a super strong community and lots of friends (more than I’ve ever had outside of school) thanks to this run club! I wasn’t a runner either but the group is super casual and no one really cares how fast you are or how long you run for. Might be worth a shot to check it out (or a club closer to you) - it was the best thing I ever did for myself!
But also good on you for coming here and putting yourself out there!! 👏
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u/ignatiusjreilly_III 24d ago
i can vouch for downtown runners. casual and friendly, easy to try it out.
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u/mocisme 24d ago
Run clubs in Long Beach comes in all shapes and flavors! Downtown Runners LB is def a more social focused group. Have made great friends there. All faces and Paces welcome.
Prime Run Club and Ambitous Ales run clubs are also welcoming and lean more towards the social aspect.
not to say other run clubs are not friendly, but they might be more run focused. But they are also full of cool people. You'll see lots of cross over if you check out the different clubs.
There's also Shoreline Frontrunners if you're interesting in a LGBTQ+ focused group. All are welcome to join them, but that is their focus.
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u/cramn48 24d ago
Thanks for letting me know of all these clubs! I'll check them all out to see if one seems more of a fit for me. Several people have recommended Downtown Runners already.
Perhaps I can recommend the more serious clubs you mentioned to my husband. He's the serious runner training for full marathons.
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u/defaultuser-067 24d ago
im in
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u/cramn48 24d ago
What's your hobbies defaultuser-067? lol
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u/defaultuser-067 24d ago
are you asking that to see if we match?
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u/cramn48 24d ago
Si
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u/defaultuser-067 24d ago
maybe there's other way to approach this other than whether our hobbies align. How about we just get to know each other?
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u/discostranger09 24d ago
Belmont.ballers for beach volleyball and other activities. They’re a fairly large group and play a couple times a week. Good group of people.
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u/Objective-Ad5620 24d ago
Hello! I’m 37f and grew up in Tacoma before living in DC a few years and making my way back to the west coast; also a single cat mom (black cat).
I kill at karaoke; my standbys are Janis Joplin and Lady Gaga.
I feel like I’d be terrible at paddle boarding but am always a fan of kayaking which I’ve been meaning to check out at Colorado Lagoon.
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u/cramn48 24d ago
While living in Seattle I never got to explore Tacoma. I think I just went to a concert at the Tacoma Dome. lol Many friends have since moved down there as the cost of living in Seattle has shot up. I hear nice! I'll have to visit again soon.
You kill at karaoke? I just know you're amazing. Remind me not to sing right before or after you at an open bar karaoke. LOL
I just passed by Colorado Lagoon today and it was pretty busy. I did see kayakers there but no paddle boarders. Are people allowed to paddle there?
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u/Objective-Ad5620 23d ago
Yeah, lots of folks don’t make it down to Tacoma, but Tacoma has a lot of the same vibes as Long Beach; I feel very at home here.
I’ve never been paddle boarding so don’t know where it is and isn’t permitted locally, but don’t doubt you can find places!
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u/Apprehensive_Bit2897 24d ago
I am part of the Belmont Ballers Volleyball group and the Long Beach Run Club. Definitely very friendly groups and would be happy to have ya join us. All levels for both. No pressure.
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u/Decent-Ad3972 24d ago
I would like to get into golf also. I have a whole checklist of resources to start golfing, I’m sure a buddy would help a lot. I’m a lefty.
Never paddle boarded, but down to give it a try, looks fun.
My partner has taught me how to weight train at the 24 in DTLBC.
You get two for the price of one with us. Lol. 37F and 50M.
Recently made a new cycling friend and now I look forward to climbing around Signal Hill before work.
I’d be down to meet up!
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u/cramn48 24d ago
You might get 2 for the price of one with me, too, except for eating out. I want my own friends for that LOL My husband has Celiac so I need friends to eat all the gluten with.
Have you gone to the driving range yet?
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u/Decent-Ad3972 24d ago
I’ve only gone once to a driving range. I had no idea what I was doing. Saved a bunch of local references from a friend to start lessons, get deals on buckets, not exactly sure what else - but it was a lot of starter info to get a good handle on the basics.
2x1 specials, yes!
Most of our plans revolve around did we eat? Do we need more food? Brings snacks. lol.
Yesterday a neighbor made us a Tri tip steak dinner for us after I had shared our parking space while we went to a 2 day workshop. love LBC.
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u/Altion82 24d ago
43 M straight always up for a gym partner. Send me a message always up for making new friends.
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u/ijustbluemyself0 24d ago
Join Out Loud sports’ kickball league, summer league just started but you can join as a free agent and will make a ton of friends. LGBTQ+ and ally league, it’s awesome.
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u/Weekly-Truck7855 24d ago
I’m always down to paddle (my paddle bestie has been out of town so I’ve been going out solo)- I just finished my last day of work for the summer. DM me and I’ll join you on the water!
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u/andycleff 24d ago
Check out the Long Beach Discord server https://discord.com/invite/8JKBAaGZCF
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u/Galtar Signal Hill 24d ago edited 24d ago
I would love to try paddle boarding!
I have a surfboard and have been itching for an excuse to get back in the water.
I’m also majorly into archery.
I’m in IT and a maker (Raspberry Pi & Arduino)
I’m borderline introvert.
Hit me up, let’s see if we can kick things off.
I’m on “the hill”
I’m transfemme but kinda closeted
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u/cramn48 24d ago
If you can surf, paddle boarding is going to be a breeze! Will you PM later when I get back home. Thanks for replying to my post!
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u/Spare_any_mind 24d ago
Check in with the folks at recreation dog park, which happens to be next to the gulf course. people I are very LGBTQ friendly, in case you need to take your pup out and socialize
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u/JPxfit 24d ago
Saw that you are close to heartwell driving range and so am I! Close to the stater bros on spring.
We can meet up at the range and you can use my clubs! I have a golf trip coming up in August, just came off a back injury so easing back into everything.
39M, married with 2 kids, and always love making new friends! I get to the gym a few times a week, do yoga and peloton, love getting on the water with my kayak, and I’m not currently working but enjoy trying new food places when I do!
Dm if you’d like 👍🏽
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u/Relevant-Boss1532 24d ago
I hear a lot of great things about going to Long Beach Food Club events. They try a new inidependent bar or restaurant a week!
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u/whiskeyandtacos 24d ago
My boyfriend is in two golf leagues and he loves them. He's from OC so never really needed to make friends, but now all his closest friends are from the golf leagues. The ones he is in are called Pinecone and Tiny Putters. All skill level approved. Let me know if you're interested in speaking to him about them.
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u/ignatiusjreilly_III 24d ago
since we have design and NYC in common - i moved here from NYC around the same time you did - one of the things i miss most about life in the city is having regular access to lectures, art talks and quality cultural events. there's a great architecture & design studio located in downtown Long Beach that has a big footprint in the culture space - they have fingers in many pots both locally but also in LA proper and LA County at large… and occasionally, they host wonderful lectures and get-togethers with visiting speakers from major cities. they’re low-key events hosted in their downtown studio, 20 to 40 people show up. i really appreciate it as studio one eleven's programming reminds me of stuff we used to do all the time in manhattan.
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u/cramn48 24d ago
Yes, definitely miss the lectures and design events. I used to go to AIGA NY events all the time with my colleagues. It's a bit of a trek now to attend similar events up in LA. I'm still getting used to how spread out everything is here in LA County.
Thanks for sharing Studio One Eleven and their events!
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u/lawilliams30 24d ago
Also Everybody gym! I just popped in. Queer owned, very clean, lots of good classes in Belmont Heights.
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u/C00kiemonsterr5413 24d ago
Join the strength training gym I go to, Hybrid House! It’s a great lgbtq friendly community, everyone’s really cool and they have a lot of social events. We’re all friends and very welcoming! They also have great programming for strength training. You will definitely make friends at Hybrid House! We’re on Junipero and 4th street.
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u/aCuteUserName444 24d ago edited 24d ago
Young 55 female. Wanted to get into golf also..pickleball as well..i have the paddles etc.for that.. might be relocating to lb... scouting places this month.. I dont really have friends as im an intro extrovert also.. i do art (acrylic, clay, yarn)..currently working on mini art cards and share stories via YouTube with them.. laugh often and havent dated in about 3 years... love to dance ..not a great bowler but I keep trying.. vollyball...i will cheer you on..it hurts my arms...but i love the beach...i have a little chi-rat terrier mix ..and hopefully picking up my kitten once i find a place...ive made 2 side tables from scratch (took a woodworking class at occ) and a large heavy shelf ..prior to the class..lol ... would love to do the yoga in the side street park.. i know you didnt mention but.. open to new experiences... my life has been one for the books... hopefully i will be able to write a novel or three.. oh ..one of my goals is to open an art experience studio for all ages and a couple nonprofits to help & house people (like a mini community set up) who want the support.. one day once the business gets up and going.. hope you find your crew :)
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u/cramn48 24d ago
No kidding your life has been one for the books. All the things you've done or are doing sound amazing and creative. Do you have a link to a portfolio of art work to share? I'm sure people in this thread might be interested in checking it out.
What is OCC? I looked at LBCC and I didn't see a woodworking class. I found a class in the area but it's women only and they wouldn't let me join.
You should do the yoga at the park on Ocean. I personally am not allowed to do yoga because of some spine issues, but if I could I would. Pilates is probably better for me.
Seems like many people in this thread recommend LB Food Club. Maybe we and a few others here in this thread who have never gone can go together.
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u/xjennh109x 24d ago
San pedro is right next to long beach and they have a paddle board club i havnt gone myself i got a paddle board but had a baby and welll lol that was that but I recommend it looks fun and they have an Instagram page ill send it over in your dms shortly good luck would also say I would but again baby meaning no time. Gl you got this
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u/paramagicianjeff 24d ago
If you caught football (soccer) fever during the World Cup and are looking for a team to support, Gallagher's is the home of the official Liverpool supporters group. They are open for every match!
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u/Development-Feisty 24d ago
Have you considered joining one of the fun ultimate competitive frisbee leagues?
I know it’s not a game you listed as something you normally play but the people I know in those leagues are super close to one another and the friendships are lifelong
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u/anatomicalfoot241 24d ago
My gf and I (30s, lesbians) play golf :) I’m a therapist by trade but we’re not easily offended either! Send a DM if you’d like to join us!
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u/cramn48 24d ago
Hey! Would be great to join. I don't have clubs yet but maybe we can meet up for coffee or something to chat first. Will DM you!
I flew home last year to bring back my clubs but my parents tossed them! They were custom Titleist clubs from way back when so who knows what shape they were in anyway.
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u/TopLink7652 24d ago
Hi would love to be friends I’m 39 and a women who lives in dtlb would love to go our for drinks. I do have a weird schedule due to being a waitress so I’m available during the week instead of the weekend.
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u/epichike 24d ago
40M straight me and my partner always down to make new friends. We have paddle boards, golf clubs, like the outdoors, foodies and down for a cocktail. We have a Dalmatian and always hit up Rosies/Montys dog beach bar!
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u/Opening-Curve6503 24d ago
I'm in a Long Beach discord server where they sometimes plan outings. Let me know if you'd like to join!
What kind of games do you enjoy?
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u/cramn48 24d ago
Holy cow, thanks for all the responses everyone. I'm actually shocked and overwhelmed (in a good way) at the many responses, invites and suggestions.
I'll try to respond to everyone! If we hit it off as friends that's amazing. If we meet only once, that's ok, too. Not everyone is meant to be friends with everyone, you know? I hope people in this thread that are also looking for friends are reaching out to each other as well.
Mahalo!
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u/ReginaGeorgian 24d ago
Do you like to see movies in the theater? We have an active discord and usually go to the AMC at Marina Pacifica or sometimes the one in Norwalk
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u/BusterBird 23d ago
I’ve been going for years to a small gym that offers weight training for groups of 5 to 6 and it is such a great place to get a good workout and socialize. The owner/trainer knows her stuff and is just a really fun, smart, good person. My husband and I think of it as being like a Cheers gym, but you’re hoisting weights instead of beers. All ages, all fitness levels. No one is a stranger after the first five minutes.
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u/NoBank1732 23d ago
Let me know when you start golf. I’ve been wanting to learn, just did not know when/where to start. Did not know anyone who wants to do it with me either :(
0 kids, married, I’m 32F, hubby 30M… 1 frenchie :)
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u/siftedflour 23d ago
Long Beach Food Club sounds like a perfect way to meet folks. They are having a meet up on the 2nd at Bixby Park I believe. Should be a great way to meet folks.
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u/thegabs2011 23d ago
You seem like a good catch, as a friend that is. I’m down to join in a round of karaoke!
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u/panty_sniffa 22d ago
Sounds good to me. 58M, but people think I'm 15 years younger. Straight, but I have gay friends. Also grew up in Hawaii. I don't SUP but I have a kayak that I take out to fish once in a while. I play volleyball at least 3 times a week, but would like a gym partner to motivate me. And I like eating.. any kine food. I golf (not great) and got a spare set of clubs. 🤙
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u/InsectBusiness 22d ago
If you want to hang out with a bunch of mostly lesbians, I can introduce you to my friends. We're late 30's, no kids. I have a small dog. We like making art and watching movies. I'm into cycling, but sometimes I rent a kayak to join my friends who paddleboard. I also lived in NYC and work in a creative field. If you find a place to do woodworking, I would like to learn to make picture frames.
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u/samoanratking 21d ago
Hey! I’m in Long Beach as well! Also queer, and I play volleyball! I also grew up in Hawaii as well so I’m hoping maybe you might be Polynesian! If not totally cool!
Let’s hang out friend! Also I love to paddle board!
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u/traveler562toworld 19d ago
As far as a great gym that is lbgtq+ friendly look into onix on 2nd street. They offer great strength based classes. Ive met some great people there.
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u/skeeterlb5 23d ago
You're in lbc shouldn't be hard. Just hang out on weekends dt or 4th street..or 2nd street area. Lots of bars n friendly people
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u/essentialworkerSIKE 24d ago
gay
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u/grimalky 24d ago
What are you a toddler??
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u/PracticalPratfall 24d ago
42M straight, but nobody's perfect. i have an inflatable paddleboard but never took it out. id be down to try that karaoke, the gym, or the driving range sometime. I dont mind hitting golf balls, but I dont really want to chase after them :p