Surfing Waves

Hello people, as the title suggests I am visiting California.

Heading there for the first two weeks of Sep. The plan is to fly to San Francisco, rent a car with two buddies of mine, one beginner, and stop at various breaks on the way to San Diego, sleeping in hostels or in the car (I am a cheapskate). Looking at the map we plan on going San Francisco Ocean beach, Santa Cruz, Pismo bay, (after that not sure, preferably skip LA) then various stops between Oceanside and San Diego, flying back from LA at the end.

I am riding two large shortboards, one is a thick + fat swallow tail and the other is a 6'11 semi gun thing (I eat length for breakfast). The other two are probably on longboards.

Is there any advice on places to go/ stay/ visit/ avoid, laws, customs etc?

We are courteous surfers and not looking to start any fights with the locals, but what is the extent of localism, and are there any places to avoid from that point of view?


Any help gratefully recieved

Found this book helpful when I made the same trip. It's a bit dated but has a lot of detailed info from spot to spot.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Surfing-Califor ... 342&sr=1-2

When you reach the OC (Orange County) leg of your journey, I can definetly help, show you around and hopfully surf with you guys.

Hi Ricky,
Had the same query this time last year and here are the very helpfull replies I got:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=17595.
I had a blast hope you do too.

Ah thanks for the replies, that thread is pretty good. We will definitely give San Onofre a go!

Thanks for the offer scsurf, we don't have a solid plan yet but will message you closer to the time. Would be great.

One last thing, msw says that the water temperature at ocean beach San Francisco to Santa Cruz is in the 11-13°C range (not sure what that is but it is very nippy). Is it really that cold in summer? I am bringing a 3.2, boots and a rash; will that be enough?

Reguarding the water temp., lately it's been nice 69-72 f, for almost a month. It can drop 10 degrees over night and probably will by Sept.. You just never know what to expect.

San O is great! I love it there, it's a bit rocky so booties a must. Depending on what time you get there, prepare to wait between 5 minutes to 2hrs to get into the beach. It's one car out one car in parking methodology, so you will definitely get parking, but will have to wait.

Mondo in Ventura is also good for beginner but it doesn't have the luxuries of bathroom or running water. And parking is on the street and very limited.

Sunset in LA is a bit rocky. Hollister St in Santa Monica is pretty okay too, for the most part locals are pretty chill. Venice is okay but a bit hard for beginners as there are more close outs.

Enjoy your trip!

I haven't surf in N. Cal, but 3/2 keeps me warm in So Cal up till Nov and I have low tolerance of cold water. I don't know about Dec to Feb bc I don't surf during those months since its cold

Are you Here?

My 21 year old and i are headed to La Jolla next week. Wondering what anyone would recommend for some fun things in and around La Jolla. Looking for both nightlife and day activities.