santa barbara in the summer

[gerk86]

hey, im headed to santa barbara for the summer. Ill be in isla vista and am gonna pick up a cheap minimal on craiglist.

(1) Whats the surf like in SB during the summer? and (2) Is there a decent break in isla vista or will i have to travel further down the coast in SB??

[billie_morini]

I've got a surfing buddy that has lived in Santa Barabara for many decades. He surfs like a Greek warrior, too! He said this about Santa Barbara in the summer, "SB being fairly slow in the summer time. We face due south, directly into the onslaught of the hurricane and southern hemi south swells BUT the channel islands (a National Park) block them from our coast. So aside from some smaller wind swell (plenty) we travel ½ hour south to Ventura or 1 hour north to Jalama (which is one of absolutely most gorgeous spots in all of California). Your other options are to have a boat (I have a small inflatable) and surf the Ranch (Gaviota to Pt conception – certainly as good as any surf in the state) or the islands (you really need something a little bigger for the islands). Depending on your skill level, you can usually find something to ride within an hour most anytime of year, but yes, winter is the true highlight of the Santa Barbara surf scene – Rincon, sandspit and many points and reefs are the real attraction. Summertime is great for the beach though – lots of great spots with small waves to play around in. Again, if you want bigger surf in the summer, we drive ½ hour or so. Ive been doing it for so long it hardly even seems like driving – its just a standard sat-sun am surf check with some (usually) good surf at the end of it.

Summing up the SB surf – we are a bit inconsistent, but when the surf is good here, it is as good or better than anywhere in the state."

I know from surfing with him near then end of March 2008 there are good breaks within miles of Isla Vista. They are Isla Vista Beach, Devereux Point, Campus Point, Sands, Naples, Poles, Goleta Beach, Naples, Ed's, El Capitan, and Refugio. I personnally like Refugio.

Although, they suffer in the summer due to the Channel Islands. Go here to learn more about them and ignore the silly talk from the immature: http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/North_Ame ... index.html

[Real Pol]

Make sure you check out the punk rock karaoke at the Velvet Jones!

[BoarderDave]

Haven't surfed myself much in SB area as I drive through it all the time on my way up to Pismo Beach area where my parents live. I have surfed at Jalama though and he is right, one of the most beautiful places to be camping on the beach and surfing. VERY nice..

No matter where you end up around here, you'll probably get some kind of bump to ride. Hopefully you happen on a nice spot with some good swell.

Enjoy your trip.