For adventurous guys who enjoy spending quality time in the water, surfing is an ideal sport. A combination of exercise, skill, and excitement, not to mention gains in one’s overall fitness level, ensures a challenging yet rewarding adventure for beginners. San Diego is home to some of the finest surfing spots on the West Coast, including beginner-friendly spots from Ocean Beach Pier to South Mission/Pacific Beach, which has over two miles of consistent yet relatively small waves for surfers of all levels.
Before hitting the water, however, you’ll need to learn a bit more about surfing, including the most appropriate surfboard to learn on and the best place (or places) to begin learning how to surf. Figuring out whether you should ride regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward) is crucial for beginners. Having the right board and the best location for your comfort level will make a huge difference when it comes to getting the most out of your outing. The next step is to find out how to master basic techniques, from the correct way to “pop up” on the surfboard to making sure that your board is adequately waxed before hitting the water.
Another helpful hint is to watch the water to determine where the waves are cresting and breaking. This will also let you know approximately how far out you will need to paddle to successfully catch your first wave.
An ideal first surfing spot is one with a flat sandy beach and lots of space, allowing you to feel comfortable and better able to move around as you start to master the basics. It’s also important to avoid any spots with swimmers, especially in areas where children and families tend to swim. Whether you’re still considering where to go or you’ve made a decision and are eager to begin, keep an eye on surf reports that give real time or up to the minute info. Because San Diego is such a surf-hungry city, there are many local surf reports to consult to get a better idea of conditions and potential changes you may be facing in terms of wind direction or wave height.
Pay close attention to the numbers when you’re looking at the surf report. While wave height is important, so is the wave period, which indicates how long you have between one swell and the next. Also consider the swell direction — small wind waves are ideal.
San Diego County is home to some of the most famous surf spots in the country. While it often attracts expert, professional and kamikaze surfers, there are also calmer waters suitable for beginners and intermediate level surfers. It’s even possible to find surf spots broken down by overall quality and direction, letting you find an area that caters to your specific needs. Examples include Beacons, a right and left beach for surfers of all levels, along with Boneyards, which caters to left surfers of all levels. Beginners may find calmer waters in settings such as Coronado Silver Strand State Beach and Crystal Pier. La Jolla Shores, which accommodates right and left riders, and Law Street, for left riders, are two prime spots for beginners.
