Surfing Waves

Heading over to California (from Hong Kong) for New Years and a week of surf. First W. Coast trip and a bit overwhelmed with options…..debating on whether to throw myself into a surf camp or not. I’m use to surfing around S.E Asia where you can get some pretty awesome guides to show you around if you are in unchartered territory!



Does anyone have any advice for a W. Coast newbie on 1) where to stay 2) what area to focus on 3) anyone i can potentially link up with to explore the area (i.e. surf camp/guide/friendly locals etc).



Intermediate surfer that is looking to soak up the local scene, check out a bunch of spots and relax.

I go to SoCal every year. It isn't like SE Asia full of surf instructors pushing beginners into the wave. I don't think I've seen any surf camp while I was down there. Apart from the touristy spot, I've not seen any surf instructors in the water. I would also prefer not to surf in any spots where there are beginners in the line up.

There are also short and long board breaks. You might want to let us know what you surf so we can give advice on where to go. It is winter season now so the waves there can be challenging. I consider myself an intermediate surfer too but this is not like HK. The water is much colder and you're going to wear much thicker wetsuit so do becareful.

Apart from that, you're going to have a great surf trip!

There's around 1,000 miles of California coast and a minimum 8 hour drive between San Diego and San Francisco. Where are you flying into? San Diego probably has the most surf camp/guide options (and the warmest water) with lots of options for waves if the conditions are good. LA has Malibu and Trestles if you want the classic (and crowded) California surf experience. Santa Barbara/Ventura also has lots of options, particularly Rincon (also crowded but one of the best waves in the world when it's working). Santa Cruz is the closest, good surfing to the Bay Area and also has lots of options w/ varying degrees of easy and challenging waves. It's a pretty different scene at all of those. What's your ideal situation? Maybe I can help narrow it down for you.

Very useful. Thank you !