Surfing Waves

There's a chance I'll be going there with my other half. She will be living in one of the campus that is apparently 10 mins away from the beach. I had a look at the surf spot guide. I think the closest ones to UCSD University are Blacks Beach and La Jolla Shores. Will be surfing on a longboard. For those who have seen how badly I surfed, are either spots alright for me?

If I go, I'll be there for 3 months. Would it be worthwhile to buy a board then sell it after? I think I'll probably need to rent a car to travel around too. It will also give me options to visit other spots.

this is a terrific opportunity, BaNZ!

You've identified two popular surf breaks in San Diego. There is one right on the campus. It is called Scripps because it is adjacent to the Scripps Institute. There are also about 30 more within the City of San Diego. Two things you will like: 1) there is usually surf somewhere in San Diego because the shores face many directions, and 2) the water is warm.

By all means, plan on buying a used board. San Diego has a very large surfing community, so you will find a nice board without much trouble. There are two primary sources for used boards: 1) the Craigslist website, and 2) surf shops. You should be able to get a 9 foot long board for $350 to $425. You will be able to sell it for about the same amount.

You may enjoy renting a car sometimes. For example, you owe it to yourself to surf at San Onofre State Park in northern San Diego County. On a perfect day, you'll have rides in excess of 1 minute. Try the Dog Patch break there. It's the most southern of the 3 at this park. While up that way, you should also check out Swami's surf break in Encinitas, CA. It's a unique man-made feature that gives this break its name.

You'll find surf-related activities, too. Like premier movie openings, swap meets, surf movie nights at surf shops or bars with lots of swag given away, and surf contests.

Do not pass this opportunity by!

Oh, BaNZ. Another reason to rent a car is to visit Huntington Beach, California. This is "Surf City USA." You'll enjoy going to a town that is completely all about surfing. There are some amazing surf stores, a great museum, and a surfer's restaurant there, too. You'll be surprised to see the surfers' walk of fame replete with commemorative plaques embedded in the sidewalks ("pavement" in British English).

Also, your wife and you should drive along the California Coast together on a trip as long as time allows. It is spectacular.

I do want to go, just don't know how to tell my boss that I want 3 months leave for surfing when I took 1.5 year off last time. I'll probably find a summer course that I can do at UCSD and so I will be able to convince my boss haha.

I grew up in LA as a kid but I don't recall much apart from Disney, Las Vegas and Huntington beach. I was too young back then. You're making it sound so amazing so I really want to go visit.

Have started looking on Craiglist! but I will probably pick something from the shop so I can actually see the product.

I'm guessing like most places, June-Sept will have little to no swells?

It's true there is less predictable surf in Summer months. But, there is nearly always surf somewhere in San Diego. The surf picks up in September and increases through Fall.