Surfing in California (South)

Southern California: The part of California that most people around the world will associate with the state. This region extends from Santa Barbara county and Point Conception all the way down to the Mexican border on the edge of San Diego County. Beyond being somewhat of a cultural capital, Southern California has been the epicenter of surf culture and surf performance in the continental US ever since Duke Kahanamoku visited here in the early 20th century. From then on, the warm water, smooth waves, and welcoming culture has fostered many worldwide surfing movements. From Miki Dora and Malibu, to aerial pioneer Christian Fletcher, Southern California has always been at the forefront of surfing style (Tom Curren anyone?) and innovation (Thank George Greenough next time you surf). This coast continues to pump out top talent in both the water and the surf industry, if you surf a good break you will probably be surfing with some pros or testers for one of the world famous shapers in the area.

The coastal highway here is famous around the world for beautiful views, sunsets, and easy coastal access. This makes surf spots very easy to get to and check, but also tends to amplify the crowds. The surf breaks vary from velvety points, sucky reefs, and heavy beach breaks. All levels of surfers can surf year round here, something not always available in most of the rest of the state.

A car is the way to go here, preferably a red convertible with a surfboard in the front seat (style is important here). As mentioned above almost every spot is accessible by car off of the coast highway. Both Los Angeles and San Diego have international airports and renting a car there should be easy. Even if you are planning on staying in one area or city a car is a must, the public transportation in California is notoriously terrible. Accommodations will be expensive close to the coast and in most areas will be hotels, motels, or AirBNBs. In between the population centers of Santa Barbara, the greater Los Angeles area, and San Diego there is camping available, just make sure to reserve in advance.

Throw a stone into the Pacific and you’ll probably hit a surf break here (could also be a famous spot). The breaks here are varied, but generally user friendly with a high ceiling for performance. In Santa Barbara the coast turns to facing Southwest, this stretch of coast is known for long, right hand point breaks. The Queen of the Coast is found here: Rincon Point. This is the playground for Santa Barbara’s stars, Tom Curren, Bobby Martinez, the Coffin Brothers, and many others owe much to this wonderful wave. It is also the main testing ground for Channel Islands Surfboards. As the coast continues, we eventually arrive at Malibu, one of the most famous surf spots in the world. The waves here will be crowded but pristine, and over the years have groomed some of the best longboarders in the world as well as defined what surf culture was for much of the mid 20th century. Past Los Angeles we have Trestles, a perfect, skatepark-esque cobblestone point. This wave is the center and standard for high performance surfing in the US. The locals are pros (Kolohe Andino, Jordy Smith, Filipe Toledo, Griffin Colapinto etc…) and the 9 year olds here probably surf better than you. Blacks Beach in San Diego is the premier beach break of the area. A big, burly, and powerful wave that delivers heaving barrels and heavy wipeouts. Bring a step up and your paddling chops. The one thing that might turn someone off of the whole coast is the crowds which are ubiquitous.