West Coast beginner

[islandred]

My father is a born and raised Hawaiian, grew up being a total beach bum and loves to surf. Of course, he lives here in Sacramento now which is where I also reside. We have made frequent trips back to Oahu to visit family and I've had the chance to do quite a bit of surfing out on those beautiful beaches. Nonetheless I know I am a very new beginner, have not really surfed cold water and am aware that I have so much to learn!

I am 19 years old and live at least an hour and half away from the coast, so I cannot make it to the beach as much as I would like. But just a few months ago my dad bought me my first board (that of which I will be using only here in California beaches) it is a 9'2 Freeline tri fin and I am 5'3, 145 pounds. The board is older, custom made in Santa Cruz for someone else, but my dad said the railing is thick enough but not too much, and it will be good for my first. Just wondering what anyone thought of this board and if you could give me any pointers, advice, or good surfing spots, I would appreciate it!

[sfsurfer]

You're going to need a 4.3 suit and earplugs to surf nor-cal. And yeas it's cold. VERY COLD. That's what makes it so bad a$$. I would go to Pacifica, just south of san Francisco, for your first trip. Taco Bell beach is a gerat place to learn to stand up and turn. I wouldn't go to Ocean Beach in SF till you get some waves under your feet. OB has been know to kill people.
I would also go over the free surf lessons on this site. Good luck.

[xvertirx]

Just like the other guy said. Go to Pacifica at the beach in Linda Mar. Surf on the southern end and you should be fine. The waves are little bigger and rougher on the northern end.

[prish1]

Anyone no how far Travis is from a decent surf spot. In the Air Force and thinking on putting it down.