September trip from Seaside Oregon to Santa Barbara?

[Kulharin]

Hello,

I surf mainly on Vancouver Island; I did a trip down the Washington/Northern Oregon coast last September. Had fun waves at La Push and Oswald State Park!

I'm considering resuming the journey south again where I left off this September and would go at least as far as Santa Cruz, potentially as far as Santa Barbara...

Are there some "must visit" places, or areas I should spend more time in than others, aside from the Santa Cruz area of course... and areas I should skip?

I am a bit concerned about sharks as I hear central California - central Oregon is considered thick shark territory and August - October is considered peak shark season on the west coast... I also hear localism in central California can be rough; I am a pretty good surfer and show respect for others in the water so long as I receive the same courtesy..

[rulesoferick]

Hi! Im from Cali and there are lots of surfing spots I always recommend:

-MALIBU BEACH (SURFRIDER BEACH)
-VENICE BEACH
-HERMOSA BEACH

And regarding the sharks, I don't consider them as a problem, there are not many sharks in these waters. good luck!

[billie_morini]

K -
s0rry for this late reply. NorCAL is more sharky than SoCAL. But, it's nothing like Oz. Not even as bad as FL. Go for it! Also, search this forum for Santa Cruz locations. I've posted a lot about that. If you come as far south as me (Santa Barbara), then know our surf begins to pick up in late October and is good in Winter. It is flat in Summer -- as in right now there ain't nothing to ride!
billie

[Kulharin]

So September it is probably a good choice to skip Santa Barbara and maybe not go any further south than point misconception?

Should I take my time on the way down and try to surf a bunch of places or not doddle too much and get to the Santa Cruz area with extra time to spare?

[billie_morini]

K -
I concur. Not worth traveling to Santa Barbara for September surf. The Channel Islands block it from late Spring through early Fall.

The decision to try many breaks in route to Santa Cruz or not is entrely up to your whim. Oregon surf is remote, filled with strong currents, and involves cold water at temps you are used to. Problem is, a lot of time is required to drive to many breaks. I'd probably try one or two for the experience. Then I'd encourage you to find surf in California's Humboldt County. The waves are so large their that locals check to see when they are small enough to go out!

There are many easy access and beautiful surf breaks in NorCal in Mendocino and Marin County. Some are national and regional classics. Then you'd probably like to get one surf in at Montery. Following this, it's time to surf Santa Cruz. There are many breaks there. Unless something unusual occurs, there will be good surf.

billie

[Kulharin]

Well I'd likely be driving down the coast highway out of Canada all the way so breaks shouldn't be too far out of the way? I'd probably spend 7 days / nights total getting down there and coming back while camping in a tent or in my vehicle. Then a full 7 days in n around the Santa Cruz region

[billie_morini]

K -
here's to wishing you a wonderful surfing safari!