surfing beaches near UCSB

[Aussie_tim]

hi everyone, im an aussie coming over to Califirnia to study next year

im thinking of staying at the Santa Barbara campus and im just wondering about the proximity of good surf beaches in relation to the campus

any info would be sweet

thanks

[steamfed]

santa barbara county has excellent surf and a wide variety of waves to choose from. it's primarily blocked from south swells due to the channel islands, but there's an abundance of energy that comes from the west/northwest during the fall and winter months (sept-march). not a far drive from san luis obispo county to the north or ventura county to the south either, where you'll undoubtedly find options if there's nothing happening in SB.

otherwise, if the waves are on, you can surf right on campus if you grab a dorm on the beach. plenty of waves to be had in town to the east or head further down the coast for the points/reefs.

[steamfed]

oh if you don't have a car but are staying on or near campus, don't fret. there's still surf to be had within walking distance. campus point is where everyone goes when it's good, so it's usually the most crowded break. it's the southernmost point on campus, you can't miss it. it's also offshore in west/northwest winds so that's the spot you probably need to check if a big northwest is wrapping in.

if campus point is too crowded or has too much water, head east from the point and you'll end up right off the 1 in goleta beach park where there should be some beachbreak to ride.