I admit to trolling within your thread. I was bored, and you are extremely welcome. Many places in Cali I adore, but SD is my favorite and home base when there. I hope that you enjoy your visit.
I personally prefer to have everything brought to me up on the Tower Deck, while lounging beside one of the fire pits, but I do love sitting outside at Kona's for breakfast, lol...
That is why you stay there...others visiting the hotel are not permitted up on the Tower Deck, unless invited. It is one of two perfect places for the lens with that particular break (many nice breaks around there...). I like staying over at Crystal Pier in their upstairs place on the north side for the same reason, yet a different vibe, as well as a few other places, when not staying with local friends. I enjoy PB, as well a few more remote spots around there. My first trip out was actually to PB, but I booked for SD, rented a jeep, and after about a week took the coastline for most of it.
I will tell you something else, I do not like having to get up at 4:30am, just to make O-side by dawn! That traffic out there is for the dogs!
Comrade you happen to know the program surf camp San Diego, maybe there you will get good materials. In one weekend I did some classes there and got some equipment