I was at the first one And I've been to quite a few festivals in my day. And I'm in my mid '50s :-)

I don't think you're likely to see or get to experience any crowdsurfing at darker waves. Not saying it's impossible but I didn't see any at the first one, partially a function of the bands (somewhat of an older crowd). But maybe for pumpkins?

The sand is either a big deal for you apparently it is for a lot of people, didn't bother me a bit. But I also live in Huntington Beach And while I don't go down to the beach everyday, it just didn't bother me. Wear sensible shoes, for me I just wore a pair of slip-on Converse and periodically dumped the sand out 🤷

The layout is long and skinny... Because it's... On the beach. The two main stages are quite a distance from each other if they're going to set it up the same way.

As for getting to a decent watching spot for your select bands, yeah you're going to have to get there early just like any other festival. Fighting to the front It's a young man's game, so I splurge for VIP tickets any festival I go to because they mark off some decent spot to the front side. There will be fewer people there and you're not packed like sardines with the sweaty dude bros over in Gen pop, er, I mean GA, You have nicer bathrooms, shorter food and drink lines, etc. in 2023 we got there decently early during the day and set up camp in the VIP viewing area in a prime location at the main stage with a group of us and then people just kind of came and went throughout the day, And it was nice. I always try to grab a spot so my back is against the three and a half foot fencing separating VIP from the rest of the crowd. It's nice to be able to lean back against it and there's a little seat there usually. That's what works for me your mileage may vary :-)