Surfing Waves

Me and my sister decided to leave chilly Finland in May and head out to California to find nice waves. We've been only surfing for couple of years so we obviously can't and won't try to find the most extreme places as you might guess. Anyways, we are asking some advices, what city would be the perfect place to start our surf trip: maybe San Diego, Los Angeles etc.?
I think we will just rent a car so we can drive along the cost or something, so if there are nice spots where to stop...well we would really appreciate the information. And it's always a plus to find same free spirited people...
hmmm... what else, oh yes, the accommondation... if you can think of some nice motels, hostels, hotels just let us know

We thought that after California we would just fly to Costa Rica and from there we probably will visit California before going back home.

Thanks to everyone for having the patience to read this "short" story and for helping us to plan our trip... which is coming, oh, so soon babe!!
Ok, until then... take care and thank you who ever you are!

Hanna&Minna

BE CAREFULL GIRLS....

It depends on what type of board and type of waves you like. San Diego Orange County Los Angeles are all great places with break after break to surf. You will need to do hotels or motels and I would sujest that you have some reservation

santa cruz is really great, its got waves for all levels of surfer, although can be quite a bit of localism at steamer lane,
very cool town, got a great layed back atmosphere.
its kinda far from socal but worth a visit

Definetly check out San Onofre SB, I would love to go there every week, but its too far for me.

ya theres some sweet spots dotted up and down san diego.

Down here in ocean beach san diego theres a really cool international hostel i think its like $14 a night - well it was a couple years ago

Im sure theres simular hostels up and down san diego the OB one is the only one i know

Hanna,
You are going to have a fun time.

Firstly, get this book:
Surfing California by Raul Guisado and Jeff Klass. The publisher is Falcon Guide. The book provides a complete guide to the best breaks on the California Coast. In addition to indicating the surfing skill required for the noted break, there is a summary of the break and its location, as well as informaiton on restaurants, lodging, and nearby surf shops.

Secondly, use this website for daily surf conditions at many beaches:
http://www.surfline.com/reports/report.cfm?id=4237
(the particular address provided will take you to the San Onofre page)

Thirdly, spend lots of time surfing in San Diego and Orange County. You might find Ventura very much to your liking, too. The water around Los Angeles is polluted in many areas and the water in northern California is cold.

Oh, Hanna, forgot to share some information about hostels.

This hostel is pretty interesting and right on the beach
http://www.bananabungalowsandiego.com/index.html

This hostel is down town in the old Gas Light district. I have been to it and it is pretty cool.
http://www.sandiegohostels.org/downtown.shtml

thank you, thak you, thank you (god, I sound like a oscar winner) for all the informatin!!!

You can't go wrong starting your trip in San Diego. Since I am imaginging you will be flying out of LA to get to Costa Rica you can just drive up the coast surfing different spots on your way to the airport. There is a hostel in South Mission Beach by beaumont park (there is a roller coaster). Gets a little crazy down there though. From there you can do a short drive and have tons of brakes to paddle out at.