Questions about surfing in newport beach, CA.?

Question

so i went down to newport beach this past thanksgiving and really wanted to surf but my family wasn't staying long so we just looked around. when i surfed for the first time i really loved it. usually i just boogieboard but i have found a love for surfing. anyway, i have a few questions.

1. i've only surfed once before in maui and that was with an instructor. ARE THE WAVES NEAR NEWPORT PIER GOOD FOR A BEGINNER AND WILL I BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT IF I WENT OUT BY MYSELF WITHOUT AN INSTRUCTOR?

2. are there a lot of shark sightings in newport?

3. where is the nearest surfboard and wetsuit rental to newport pier?

4. are there showers to rinse off since i'm driving back to fresno when i'm done?

5. how is the water off shore? is it about waist deep? standing from the pier it looked like it.

i'd reallyyyy appreciate all the info.

5. is the water really cold around march?

Answer 1

1) If you don't know how to surf, it doesn't matter where you go, as long as you find some nice gentle shorebreak with plenty of room in front of you to go forward w/out crashing into anybody.

2) if you plan on going into the ocean, you should get comfortable with the fact that there are sea creatures under the water.  however, shark sightings are pretty rare in so cal.

3) go east from the water until you reach the street.  turn left or right.  you should see a surf shop.

4) you just surfed.  rejoice in the salt water cleansing, as well as the knowledge that you'll be the only one in Fres-yes with crusty salt crystals in your eyelashes.

5) wet.  it is, unless you keep walking west, in which case it tends to get much deeper the further you walk.

5) (don't you mean "6"?)  it's really cold in July if you're from Maui.  it's also really warm in December if you're from Alaska.  however, you should be fine with a 3/2 full suit, as the water will be around 65 degrees, give or take.

Answer 2

Newport has alot of really good spots and surfers. I would suggest going north to bolsa chica, theres more room to learn and the surfers and waves are a little mellower.

Answer 3

Don't worry about sharks there. The water will be around 60 degrees.