Huntington Beach (or alternative) for beginner in March?

[Oldie]

I will be at a conference in Anaheim Mid-March. I consider to fly in early to take the weekend for surfing, and I saw that Huntington Beach is close. Is that a spot where you can survice as a beginner (surfing only for 4 years, and coming from a 6-month non surf period) or would you suggest alternatives? Thanks in Advance.

[billie_morini]

Yes. When facing the sea, go to left side of Huntington Beach pier. Right side is for the "good" surfers. Another idea is to go to Seals Beach or Newport Beach, where attitudes are a little bit more mellow. If you ultimately decide not to surf in Huntington Beach ("Surf City, USA"), then visit the very cool surfing museum there and eat a meal at the (surfers' favorite) Sugar Shack. Then walk the Surfing Sidewalk of Fame alongside Jack's surf shop. All this is within walking distance of the pier. Promise, you'll enjoy it.

[Oldie]

Lovely. Thank you Billie

[DrDave]

Bolsa Chica might also be worth a look, depending on conditions

[Oldie]

Any place recommended for renting a board - or can you do that directly on the beach?

[OlegLupusov]

I don’t recommend near the pier at either side. Frankly, speaking the right side is easier but still could be challenging for a beginner. They conduct the USA open the left side.
There are currents and paddling out requires some stamina and endurance. A guy from Miami got killed as a result of the accident with the pier. I went through it unintentionally a couple of times which was quite exciting but also dangerous.
So, if you want to hang out in the area just stay away from the pier at both sides.
I assume that 6 years’ experience is quite inconsistent and irregular.

[jaffa1949]

Oleg. Quite a while between posts, how ya going?

[Oldie]

Thanks Oleg. Indeed i thought to stay far away from the pier. Inconsistent and Irregular sums it up nicely. Really curious what it will be like. Conditions look gentle with perfect weather. 2 days to go

[OlegLupusov]

Hey, Jaffa! Too much work and got my jaw broken in three while surfing:)

[jaffa1949]

Wow ouch, stick to your board breaking habits,fixing bodies is harder!
Heal well!
Surf expression comes to mind , about “ having a break wired”.

[OlegLupusov]

Many thanks! Almost fully recovered. Going to resume surfing pretty soon

[Oldie]

I had a great day on day 1 at sunrise at a river mouth between newport beach und huntington beach. 2-3ft and glassy, and catched more waves than i expected after 7 months break. Decided to surf in the pier area the next day. Waves quite a bit bigger and slightly more wind, i actually struggled to paddle out on the right side, but could do so on the left. But i sucked, struggled massively with wave selection and positioning. Jet lag did not helped. Anyway great to be out on a sunny morning. Despite an intense conference we still found time to visit gorgeous Laguna Beach, go whale watching at Newport Beach, enjoy colours of light in Disney and bike from huntington to newport beach. Looking forward to Easter for our surf trip in Peniche now.

[billie_morini]

Great report, Oldie. Glad you tried both sides of the pier. I was intermediate surfer, at best, when I surfed regularly in Orange County, CA. I always did very well on left side of pier. This is why it was recommended to you. Likewise, the more accomplished and more aggro surfers are found on right side. That's why I avoided it, even though it breaks more regularly.

I hope the natural torquiouse water color was on display for you. It's so beautiful.

[billie_morini]

OMG, Oleg! So sorry to hear about your misfortune. This is not a good thing no matter how it happened. Hope you are (gently) chewing again.