Learn to surf in SoCal?

Question

I'm learning how to surf. What are good places to learn to surf in Southern California. I am currently going to Huntington Beach, but would like to know if there is a better place to learn.

Answer 1

Try going to Blackies on small to medium days in Newport Beach.  It's just north of the Newport Beach pier.  But careful, although it's a great beginner wave on smaller days, it can get pretty rough when it's big out there.  Also, watch out for black ball (the yellow flag with a black dot... no hard boards).  

Also, if you're in for a day trip, grab some friends and head down to San Onofre.  It can get crowded during peak hours, but there are so many breaks going left and right that there's usually enough to go around.  It's a GREAT beginner wave to surf at.  I stood up there for my first time YEARS AND YEARS ago.  

Also, head to Doheny in Dana Point.  This can be super fun if you catch the right swell direction.  Fun, long rights.  But check the report before you make the drive.  

Bolsa Chica is good if you don't want to go far.  But if you're happy in Huntington, just stay farther north off the pier, kinda off the main break.  Catch that second of third break north of the pier.  Stay on the shoulder until you're more comfortable paddling into the peak of the wave.  Huntington is a fun place to learn.  Watch out for that shore break though!  :)  

Have fun, be safe!

Answer 2

Go to the trails at San O.  they hold surf lessons usually at trail 1 but my all time favorite is trail 5.  The waves can get big (but not very often)  but they are mushy and somewhat slow so they are SO easy to learn on...   DO NOT GO TO DOHENY, the water there is known to be soooo dirty because of the harbor and the runoff right there...  The trails are another 10 minutes south of there,  Day pass is usually $10 for all the state parks use, assuming you don't already have a pass...

Answer 3

There arnt a lot of good surfing spots in Cali. I grew up in Oceanside and learned to surf at a beach called Buccaneer Beach. But those were small waves made for 8 yr olds (thats when i started).

Answer 4

i live and surf in newport beach everyday

Answer 5

t-street in san clemente is good and so is butterfly beach in santa barbara

Answer 6

If you want a group lesson, the Corky Carrol Surf School is open daily at Bolsa Chica State Park.  Their web site is at

http://www.surfschool.net/

If you are more interested in a private lesson, the best instructor around is Kim "Dangerwoman" Hamrock, a former World Champion who owns Surf City Surf School and runs a serious training program.  Her web site is

http://www.dangerwoman.com/surfschool.sh...