Thread: Nor cal surf trip suggestions

Whats up guys,

First weekend in August i am taking a few people who have never surfed down to the coast from tahoe on a surf trip. Any suggestions on a spot with some mellow waves, and camping and preferably not too crowded? I have been on plenty of surf trips down there, but usually I am not bringing two people who dont know how to surf and do not have gear. I would need to be pretty close to a surf shop so they coudl rent gear. Any help would be appreciated. Looking to be within about a 4 hour drive from tahoe. Thank you!

If the waves are good, I would go to Cowells Beach or Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz. Doubtful in August, so I would second Manresa Beach just South of Santa Cruz, really fun beach break and it usually works in the summer fun, really chill beach too. Pacifica would be a good spot as well.

If you want sick camping and surf head to Big Sur

The rips down in Big Sur can be a real bitch. I wouldn't try and teach someone down there. I guess maybe Sand Dollar, but that's not 4 hours from Tahoe. Cowell's could work, but as school is out, it's been crowded. I love Manresa, but keep a close eye on swell. It gets big. I think wave shape should be in the front of your mind, and Linda Mar would be perfect. Three shops right there, lessons, food, and a 20 minute drive to campgrounds in HMB.

Crescent City is OK. Great camping on the beach or nearby - Redwoods NP and Jed. Smith. Rentals in town. Beginners can find their own break. Watch out for sharks - they bite.

Dude, is that Fast Eddie as your avatar pic?

First, check the weather, surf and wind forecast.

If it is going to be the typical NW wind of summer, head to Santa Cruz. Camp at New Brighton Beach. No surf there in summer, but fantastic camp sites. Near to Capitola and 41st Ave. Plenty of surf rentals on 41st/Portola. Surf at 38th on Pleasure Point. Or is there is a bit more surf, you can surf between the Hook (end of 41st) and Capitola. Perhaps a day on the westside at Cowells for variety or down at Manresa for solitude.

Big Sur is not that bad in summer - and it is stunning. If you can get a site at Kirk Creek, you are golden. One of the best camp grounds around. On a bluff over the water. No surf here, but a 10 minute drive south gets you to Sand Dollar. Wide open, mostly soft mellow rollers in summer. Not so good with the NW wind though. There is also Plaskett Creek campground across Rt 1 from Sand Dollar. Not a bad site, but it ain't no KC.

No wind and small surf? Central Coast. Camp near Gazos Creek & Pigeon Point Lighthouse. You can car camp at the lighthouse, inland at Butano St Park, or just south at Costanoa (we call it Cost-a-lotta). Surf out at Gazos. Not very good shaped surf, but it ,makes the most of a swell.

No rentals in Big Sur or Central Coast, but you could rent for a week - stop in SC first. Plenty of rental set ups near Cowells. Or go to CostCo and buy some foam 8' boards for $100 each.

OR Pt. Arena. Camp at Manchester St. Park. Surf out front. Eat fish in the cove. Wilderness style - no crowds for days.

There is alot of great information here. Thanks guys!

Dam. havent found availability at any of the campgrounds you guys have mentioned. Perhaps i should look into another weekend. Unless you guys have other camping suggestions?

Kirk Creek has about 1/2 the sites as No Reservations. And the sunsets from the campsite:


North of SC about 15 Miles is Waddel Beach, at the base of Big Basin. Heading north from SC on Rt 1, just before the beach is Big Lumber and the road drops to sea level. About 1/2 down the hill, on the ocean side is some semi legal camping. You can always pitch a tent there. And the surf:



Hell, this is NorCal, not SoCal. If you are creative and stealth, you can camp many places between Monterey and SF.

Try Sand Dollar State Beach or Manresa - both have camping just S of SC.

There is also a cool State Campground on the Monterey Pennisula. Forget its name, but I think it is in the town of Pacific Grove.

Or just head up the fire road just south of Plasket Creek in Big Sur.

Sweet pics. I have surfed and camped at Waddel before, great spot. Will probably do that. Thanks guys!