Surfing...

Greg Tuman · Newbie Joined: 26 Feb 2003 Posts: 4 City: Oregon

Some buddies and I are wanting to head down to southern california on spring break to try out some surfing. We have always wanted to try it out, but never really made the effort. We want to know a good surf spot for beginners...one where we won't be getting in peoples way, one where we won't slam down on coral when we crash, and has waves that are easily rideable, but not too big for a starter. Do any of you know of a good place to go? Both of us have family in the Simi Valley area, so we can drive a reasonable distance from there. If anyone knows anything, please let me know. Thanks, GREG

Syth · Addict Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 661 City: Brentwood

I wouldnt really worry about coral here in California, mostly worry about beach breaks and the shallow sand. And unless your lucky, chances are you'll at least run in 1 or 2 local dicks that are gonna heckle ya when you get into the water anywhere u go.

Few tips, always look to your left on take off, if some ones already on the wave, back off, dont drop in.

Wait your turn, but dont skip your turn.

If you see a fin comin at ya, SWIM!

Santa Cruz has a few decent beginner spots, 38th ave (id watch out for the point boy locals though), but most learn at cowells beach next to the boardwalk, SoCal i cant really help ya, ive never surfed anything more south then Santa Barbara

Jester · Posted: Mar 04, 2003 11:30 am Post subject:

Simi Valley is relatively close to Ventura, there's some great beginner spots out there. If you're willing to trek a little more south go hit Malibu or San Onofre, those are both excellent beginner spots.

If you could find somebody who knows how to surf to take you out on your first try that'd be best. Typically if you're at a soft beachbreak you don't hafta worry about locals getting in your face, but just in case it helps to have a knowledgeable surfer with you to back your play.

If you don't know any surfers, most shops offer or know of a place that does offer lessons. If you take lessons you're guaranteed to get all the things you asked in your post. They can be a little pricey, but generally you just need one lesson to learn the fundamentals & then you can strike out on your own.

wake152 · Posted: Mar 04, 2003 12:13 pm Post subject:

whats up geg its ken from SOU, how u doing buddy

Andy · Newbie Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 43 City: Syracuse,NY

Yeah if you are just starting San Onofre is the place to go. Mostly beginners surf there so you wont have to worry about getting in other peoples way.

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

Andy has a point. San Onofre is a great break for learning. It's an easy break, not too fast, and not very crowded. Get a couple longboards and go for it.

Jester · Posted: Mar 04, 2003 4:34 pm Post subject:

Not very crowded? San O is one of the most crowded breaks I've seen, it's just that most of the guys out there are either learning to surf or they're old men who don't mind sharing.

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

If you go in the winter it won't be crowded... Went a few weeks ago and I rode with my 5 friends. I'm guessing in the summer it gets busy but not in the winter. Or at least not the way Hunnington gets.

Greg Tuman · Newbie Joined: 26 Feb 2003 Posts: 4 City: Oregon

Thanks for the input guys, all of your information helps me out quite a bit actually. I will look into San Onofre, that sounds like a pretty good spot to learn. I will also try to get a lesson for us.

Hey Ken! Good to hear from you. How's school going for you up there? I took winter term off, but I'm going back for spring. Keep in touch...

BillJ · Posted: Mar 04, 2003 10:44 pm Post subject:

If you want to head farther south San Diego has several good beaches for beginners including La Jolla Shores, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Coronado. And then for fun you could always head to Mexico for a little spring break partying in Rosarito.

This time of the year you don't need to worry about crowds on most beaches. But you will want a nice warm wetsuit. Water temp is running about 60-61.

marcg · Addict Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 944 City: Salt Lake City

Simi Valley eh...just north of LA...I would recommend Palos Verdes, paddle out and
tell the locals you are beginners from Simi.
JK...try County Line.

Jester · Posted: Mar 05, 2003 9:07 am Post subject:

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

Jester- I see what you're saying but I'm in NorCal during the summer. I have heard if you aren't at San O by noon in the summer the park will be full and you won't get in.

K-dub · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 14760

San O. has to be one of the most crowded spots I have surfed in So. Cal! Unless you surf south of "Old Man's" toward the camp grounds, then you can pretty much find your own peaks. Right at "Old Man's" and North a bit to Trestles, you can kiss the thought of getting a decent amount of waves goodbye! I found the Locals there to be a bit more mellow there than the ones up north here in Santa Cruz Co., though....good luck, and I hope you find some waves!

Jester · Posted: Mar 05, 2003 1:52 pm Post subject:

I don't know that much about San O 'cuz I'm not a Southern Cal local, I just moved here in July. I grew up in San Jose so Santa Cruz is my hood. The Lane, 26th, Pleasure Point, the Hook, Natural Bridges, etc. are my stomping grounds. I think we tried to surf it once & the lot was full so we had to go somewhere else. Who knows.

K-dub · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 14760

Right on , Jester! S.C represent!!!!! I just moved to San Jose from there about 2 yrs. ago. I miss living there, but had to move closer to work. Looks like you used to surf all over town! Which part of S.C. did you live in??

wake152 · Posted: Mar 05, 2003 4:39 pm Post subject:

good good greg, school sucks i wish i would have taken the term off but thats life ya know. I cant wait for summer we will def have to get together and ride.

BillJ · Posted: Mar 05, 2003 5:25 pm Post subject:

Jester, what part of San Diego are you in and where have you been boarding? I'm down in Pacific Beach and board at San Vicente and out at the Colorado River.

Jester · Posted: Mar 06, 2003 8:33 am Post subject:

Kyle, I actually didn't live in Santa Cruz, I had to hit 17 to get there. I personally like the Westside (Steamer Lane being my favorite) but if there's photogs out there or if I have somebody who's not very experienced with me I'll usually hit the Eastside 'cuz there's more beginner friendly breaks out there.

Bill, I live in Encinitas & work in Carlsbad. I surf more often than I wakeskate, but this Memorial Day my buddy will be able to escape his wife so we might try to hit the Colorado River or something. Incidentally, that's where I learned to wakeboard.

Aubs · Motorboat Queen Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9167

i can't wait - i get to learn how to surf in june in florida!! yay me

Jester · Posted: Mar 06, 2003 8:44 am Post subject:

Sweet! Unfortunately, I hear Florida is flat most of the year unless a hurricane rolls through so you might end up wakeboarding (still not a bad haul, though).

K-dub · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 14760

Florida will be good for you to learn to surf, aubs....that's for sure.

Right on, Jester. I lived on the Westside, and pretty much only surfed there and up north a bit. My favorite spots there are Mitchell's, Getchel St., Stockton Ave., and Bridges when it breaks. I never really ventured to the eastside unless it was really good over there. Usually I would only surf 26th and Sewer's...the Hook is good on a SW swell in the summer. That's pretty sweet that you used to surf all those spots..... Wink

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

Aubs- Where in FL? Satelite Beach and Cocoa Beach seem to have a decent surf crowd. I'm sure you could find instruction there. It's also where most of the FL pros are from. And the great Kelly Slater.

wake152 · Posted: Mar 06, 2003 12:17 pm Post subject:

does florida have good surf?

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

It's not epic but it works. The west coast is more consistant and bigger. But FL still has decent surf.

wake152 · Posted: Mar 06, 2003 12:22 pm Post subject:

ha ha pretty soon im gonna be brave and try to hit the oregon coast for some surfing

marcg · Addict Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 944 City: Salt Lake City

Aubs...sorry to burst your bubble but the waves during the summer in Fl.
are completely flat most of the time...I am talking about nothingness out
there....its really bad in the summer..a lot of people from here usually head down to
Costa Rica during these times.
Usually Late August is when things start to pick up with the hurricanes, then
its off an on with a few swells here and there until the end of the next spring and the summer crap starts again.

jumalian · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 7625 City: san diego

Good spot for beginners = Seal Beach, near the jetty.

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

Watch out for the stingrays. Seal Beach is notorious for them.

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

Joe is righ though. Seal Beach is a good learning break and the bars are pretty cool also.

Aubs · Motorboat Queen Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9167

aight... well... im heading down to my aunt's condo (about an hour away from orlando) so im going to ride the spot for like 5 days or however long their camp is, and then for the last 4 or 5 days we were there, i was planning on learning how to surf. if i dont get to learn, no big deal. atleast i'll get to wakeboard. worse comes to worse, i can head back up to OWC for the last few days and kill myself on the cables again lol

marcg · Addict Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 944 City: Salt Lake City

Yeah you never know, you might luck out with a small swell...check it when you come down...this site will give you the conditions around here:
www.surfinfo.com

Andy · Newbie Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 43 City: Syracuse,NY

Surfline.com is also a great site for wave conditions.