Where should I surf?
Living in coastal Southern California has its perks. We have become accustomed to sunny skies, warm weather, and endless beaches. We are are within a small distance of world famous attractions, sporting and concert venues, and world class shopping. But the real gold at the end of this double rainbow is surfing... After all, it is our state sport! Sure, there are a ton of well known surf spots outside orange county that get good swells during certain seasons, but, the average person probably does not account for the large swell window that we have that is open to all swell directions. This means that if a storm is brewing off the coast, there is a surf break somewhere within a short drive that we can count on for a fun session. When it comes to swells, we are an equal opportunity land.
Lets start with the different types of breaks in our home, orange county:
Orange County, California has a really diverse wave type that pretty much covers the whole spectrum in regards to surfable waves. We have the smaller beginner type waves that are easy to catch and easy to ride to the fast and steep waves that boast world class surf including, many professional surfing events.
Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach, Ca
On the north end of Orange county you have world famous surf spots like our hometown Huntington Beach, Surf City USA (Sorry Santa Cruz... just going with the flow over here). Bolsa Chica State Beach is an all around surfable beach break that can hold ankle slappers to surf that is well overhead. Being a California State Beach, it is well maintained, with generally clean restrooms, and tons of parking year round.
Swell direction: all
Surf Height: 2-3' for beginners (holds 2x overhead)
Bottom: sandy
Board types: Longboard, shortboard, hybrids, SUP
Experience Level: All skill levels - great beginner spot
Blackies, Newport Beach, Ca
Located on the Newport Peninsula, Blackies is one of the most versatile waves in Orange county. Where else can you Longboard 1-2' ankle slappers one day, and head-high+ barrels the next day. Typically, we are looking at about a waist high rolling wave with a pretty gradual bottom that gives any surfer a long maneuverable face to work with. Keep an eye out, you may see some of the top longboarders in the world surfing here on any given day.
Swell direction: W and W combinations
Surf Height: 2-3' for beginners (holds 2x overhead)
Bottom: sandy
Board types: Longboard, shortboard, hybrids,
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced depending on swell
The Wed