by Lisa Putnam

Created on: July 18, 2010   Last Updated: July 21, 2010

It seems as though nearly everyone that resides on the west coast of the United States knows how to surf and has been surfing almost their entire lives.  For many, surfing becomes a way of life; the connection between nature and man, a fine balance that is able to clear the mind of stress yet with a moment of arrogance that same fluid surface can throw the same person down into a face full of sand.  For those who want to try their hand at this extreme sport, there are plenty of places to learn.  The following top ten places to learn how to surf on the west coast all feature sandy bottoms, offshore winds, slow-moving waves, and relatively un-crowded spots; but remember that nature is fickle so keep your eye on current ocean conditions because what may have been a great learner’s surf yesterday may not necessarily be great today.

10. Otter Rock Beach, Devil’s Punchbowl State Park, Otter Rock, OR

Chances are, almost everyone who surfs in Oregon has learned the sport at this beach.  Otter Rock offers a wide beach that, unlike most Oregon beaches, isn’t covered with sharp rocks and has even been nicknamed the “Waikiki of Oregon”.  The Otter Rock Surf Shop offers equipment rentals and surfing lessons from CPR and First Aid certified instructors.  If you are in the area during the early summer, you may want to watch the Rock ‘n’ Roll Youth Surfing Contest; the under 18 surfers might just be inspiring.

9. South Chesterman Beach, Tofino, British Columbia

Gentle, knee high waves and 35 kilometers of surf-able break are the main draws to this beach that entice international visitors year after year.  Beginning surfers may want to take a lesson or two at the well regarded Westside Surf School that is directed by professional surfer Sepp Bruhwiler and located in Tofino.  The women only surf school Surf Sister, also in Tofino, promises to teach women and girls of all ages how to surf in a safe and supportive environment.

8. Surfrider Beach, Malibu, California

Although this beach is extremely popular with the surfing crowds, the perfect peelers that can be ridden for a quarter of a mile beg to make the list.  Surfers of all levels ride the waves here; the birthplace of the surfing craze that began in the 1960s.

7. Zuma Beach, Malibu, California

The soft ocean floor and consistently gentle waves has made Malibu’s north end of Zuma Beach one of the best places in Los Angeles for

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