surfing san francisco??

[angiebchips]

Hey, I'm moving out to sf in Aug to Richmond area and wanted to know whether there were any spots to surf?? I'm a beginner trying to move into green waves so ocean beach is probs not for me, as I heard it get pretty big there!! I've also heard the south there are more places for beginners but as I don't have a car is there a way of getting down there on public transport, without it costing a fortune and taking all day??
Thanks!!

[billie_morini]

angiechip,
it's unfortunate you'll land in Richmond, CA. Most of that city is pretty rough, although much improved than conditions in early 1990's. I kept one of my regional engineering offices in Richmond from 2005 to 2009. At any rate, no car is not ideal. If you only want to go to various city locations troughout the SF Bay Area, the BART (train) is pretty good. Unfortunately, to go to Ocean Beach, BART won't get you all the way there. You'll have to take BART into SF and then use MUNI busses from there. It's not expensive and won't take all day. But, it will take a while. Additionally, you won't often see anyone on BART with a surfboard and wetsuit.
billie

[jdkrone]

I'm assuming you mean "the richmond" in sf, not Richmond the town in the east bay. Well, to be honest, it may not be that consistent but you can ride your bike to a couple surf spots...some days better than others, cold ass water--get yourself a thick wetsuit...maybe some booties gloves and a hood as well. Also you could always put out an ad for a surfing partner with a car-split the costs of petrol to check out some spots. good food in the richmond.

[billybomba]

Welcome to SF! I live in the Richmond area and I usually avoid Ocean beach being an intermediate surfer and all. There are some days that Ocean is managable for me but most of the time it can be a little hard to get out there. Most beginners usually head down to Pacifica/Lindamar to surf. It's about 20 minutes (by car) south of San Francisco is very friendly to beginners. Mostly a longboarder wave. I have friends that take their mopeds there using the local streets. You can also try taking the bus or rent a zip-car and rent a surfboard from the surround shops.