Surfing In San Diego
Surfing has been a significant part of San Diego’s culture since 1916, when Famous Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku surfed Ocean Beach. Today, thousands of locals ‘shralp the gnar’ daily at one of San Diego’s fine beaches. With over 70 miles of coastline, everyone can find their perfect wave – from advanced point breaks at Swamis and Windansea, to easier waves at La Jolla Shores or Law Street Beach.
Learning how to surf is a rewarding adventure. Students usually begin their training riding soft long boards and are introduced to the necessary surfing fundamentals, safely and ocean awareness is a land lesson before entering the small surf. The friendly and knowledgeable instructors will have you catching a wave and riding it into shore in no time! Menehune Surf. (858) 551- 9510 www.menehunesurf.com.
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If you already know how to surf and have your own board, where should you surf?
Beginner
The best waves for beginners are found at gently sloping, sandy-bottom beaches. If you’re still pretty new to the sport, head to La Jolla Shores or Tourmaline in Pacific Beach. La Jolla Shores is a wide, family-friendly beach, so it’s really good if you’re going with the kids. Tourmaline often has slightly larger waves, but it’s a very mushy break without too much power, so they’re very easy to ride.
Intermediate
For the intermediate surfer, head to Scripps at the North end of La Jolla Shores. The break there is a bit bigger and more powerful than at the main part of the beach. Up North, try surfing at Cardiff Reef or Del Mar, both of which are very fun, moderate waves. Even further north, an intermediate surfer can surf by the Oceanside Pier.
Advanced
If you’ve been surfing your whole life and can practically surf in your sleep, check out these spots! Blacks Beach in La Jolla is a world-famous surf spot with quite a bit of power. On a big day, it’s fun to go here just to watch the pros. Windansea, also in La Jolla, is another fun spot for the advanced surfer – just be careful, the locals here can get a bit territorial. Finally, head south to Ocean Beach and surf at Sunset Cliffs, which usually picks up some pretty big swells and waves can reach double overhead.
