Upcoming Trip - San Diego, CA

Boots...YES!
Crowds...Get ready!
Solid surf... you might luck out

 

Try Encinitas, go to moonlight beach and if you walk left or right you will be under the cliffs and can find slightly less crowded waves, and only less crowded cause you have to walk a ways. Anywhere you can park on the 101 and walk right to a break or anywhere there's a pier is usually more local and crowded. Plus you can hit up the La Paloma theatre which plays a lot of surf flicks and Albertos across the street has decent Mexi food cheap and is open 24/7. In general though expect crowds but this time of year you can definitely score big!

 

15th St has a good longboard wave, older riders and a mellow vibe. Booties are up to you, personally I never bothered with them while in SD. Your feet get a bit numb after a while but I bet it's still better than NY with booties that time of year ;-)
If you want to avoid the crowds check out Torrey Pines. There's a rivermouth and several peaks up and down the beach which, with a bit of luck, you can have pretty much to yourself. And the scenery's nice too.

Enjoy...

 

I caught some fun waves at d street in Encinitas- the level of surfing was high there

 

I've never needed boots in SD. If you like wearing boots bring them, but it's not necessary, just a convenience there. Usually visit my family there every winter. From Scripps Ranch the spot you'll probably want to hit the most is Blacks. Mid day mid week it's not too crowded just due to the time commitment to get down there and back. No hit and run sessions. Just don't go out if the size is close to maxing out your comfort level because the canyon sets will make you crap your wetsuit and sit off the main peak. You will still get plenty of waves that swing wide of the main peak. Moonlight beach and Torey Pines are both good recommendations. Visit Surfy Surfy surf shop in Leucadia while you are out there.

 

Bring boots..The water is cold this winter and the morning air temps have been in the 40's...As for waves watch the swell direction, tides and wind.Blacks is a good wave but if it has some size make sure you can surf or you will get pounded. Theres crowds at every break so use common sense and remember your from out of town other than that enjoy your trip..

 

If you want the ultimate, you've got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. It's not tragic to die doing what you love.

 

The reports always hype up any sizeable swell, it's usally never as big as they forecast but Triple overhead will close out most spots except a few..Unless you have the right equipment and can handle bigger surf, it's best you just watch the show from the cliff..

 

So, how was the trip? Any pictures of Big Friday?

 

SWAMIS BRO! That place is an amazing longboard wave and shortboard if it is big enough. If you are renting boards, there are tons of surf shops. When I was there, one of the guys out there had rented a brand new Firewire longboard for $20 for the day.

 

I have been watching the cams the past couple of weeks and yes, there is a crowd out there. But it's not a malibu party wave by any means. I would definetly attempt it.

 

hey i have a few question for you.i'm planning a trip there for next month i'm traveling solo.
1.where's a good place to stay?
2.how is the taxi system.
3.how easy is it to travel to the surf spots.
4.good spots for on intermediate surfer..

 

Blacks Beach man. Everytime I see pics from there it's epic