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 youth to learn how to surf. Kids and teens will want to check out the Billabong Surf Camp at Zuma Beach to learn surfing techniques, safety, and etiquette.
6. Doheny Beach on South Orange County, California
Home to the now dead right hand point break named Killer Dana, Doheny beach is now a place where brand new longboarders can get out and surf for the first time. The mushy waves attract new surfers from all over, so if you are unsure about what you are doing you will not be alone.
5. Mondos, Pitas Point, Ventura County, California
Mondos is located on the inside of Pitas Point which makes for the long and gentle waves that beginning surfers need. Although the scene is generally friendly, make sure you follow surfing etiquette and don’t get in anyone’s way as some surfers consider this a secret spot.
4. Bolsa Chica, North Huntington Beach, California
Beginners will want to head to the north side of the Huntington Pier at Bolsa Chica to try out surfing the gentle breaking waves in “Surf City, USA”. The Salty Grom Surf Camp has five day camps for kids aged 8 years and older and Corky Carroll’s Surf School will teach anyone, no matter how old, to surf.
3. La Jolla Beach, San Diego, California
While there are many areas of San Diego that are perfect for beginners, La Jolla is great for longboarders and those that are new to surfing. Surf camps and surf lessons are available all along the beach and the area works well for vacationers who would like to learn.
2. Old Man's, San Onofre State Beach, California
Many surfers feel that San Onofre State Beach is the best place to learn how to surf in the world as the waves are mushy, gentle breaking, and the people are friendly. Here, you will see multiple surfers riding together on one wave as every wave is considered a party wave. The beach is particularly nice for entire families especially in the summer when the water is warm.
1. Cowell’s Beach, Santa Cruz, California
Cowell’s Beach in Santa Cruz, California tops the list of the top ten places to learn to surf on the west coast. The slow rolling right point break over a sandy bottom is perfect for beginners. In fact, most of the surfers at Cowell’s Beach are riding on foam boards so there is little chance of intimidation from seasoned locals.
Before you grab a long foam board and run out to that beautiful surf, remember to always use caution and be aware of other surfers, the temperament of the ocean, ocean life like jelly fish and sharks, and of course your own board. Consider taking a surfing lesson and watch other more seasoned surfers so that you can improve your skills no matter how new you are. Most importantly, remember to have fun and know that it takes years to master it. If you have never tried this extreme sport that beckons both the young and the old, you may just decide that you love the balance between nature and man called surfing.