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The Golden State borders the Pacific Ocean, which is why it is filled with epic coastlines, chilly waters, and balmy shores. Whether you are a local in the sunny state or visiting as a tourist, one of the best things you can do in California is to take a dip in the ocean and catch some waves.
Surfers travel far and wide to visit California and make the most of the incredible waves. It offers plenty of beaches with the best surfing spots, and we have rounded them up in this guide. Keep reading to find out where the best places to surf are in the sunny state of California.
This beach is located in Orange County, which offers numerous surfing opportunities and an upscale lifestyle. Some of the best places to catch epic waves that will test your limits at Newport Beach are 56th Street, the Wedge, and Santa Ana River Jetties.
Another location that will certainly test your surfing limits is the Mavericks in Half Moon Bay. It has one of the biggest waves ranging from 25 feet to 60 feet tall. And these waves are consistent throughout the year. Some of the most well-known surfers, such as Jeff Clark, are famous for riding the Mavericks in the 90s. Since then, major surfing competitions have taken place here.
Huntington Beach in California is a famous surfing spot for many reasons. Notable surfers like Shane Beschen, Kelly Slater, and Laird Hamilton have ties to this place. Tourists and locals alike regularly visit Huntington Beach Pier to catch their waves. The pier helps fight off ocean winds, which provides longer rides. That’s not all; these waves can also be up to 12 feet high and provide consistent swells.
This surfing hotspot is internationally known for its exceptional swells throughout the winter season. Located in San Diego County, Swami’s Beach receives many visitors throughout the year that ranges from newbies to experienced surfers alike. Long and short-boarders will get the most out of these waves. The large swells with lower tides provide the ideal surfing spot.
One of the most popular surfing spots is Steamer Lane, located in Santa Cruz. It provides exceptional waves on the pacific, which is why it attracts a plethora of experienced suffers all year round. Not only that, but at this spot, you get the chance to ride gnarly waves alongside sea animals like sea otters and seals.
If you plan to visit Steamer Lane for surfing, you should know about the various zones. For experienced surfers, there are four main zones, including Indicators, Middle Peak, The Slot, and The Point. However, if you are new to surfing, you should opt for Tamer Cowell Beach.
As the name suggests, this beach is perfect for those looking to catch big waves. This place, located in Malibu, was honoured as the first World Surfing Reserve by the Save the Waves Coalition. This is why this beach played a pivotal role in making surfing an incredible sport. While the waves are nearly perfect, they are not for beginners, but they are excellent waves to aspire to.
It’s safe to say that you don’t want to miss the beaches in California if you are an avid surfer. Surfing in California is a real treat for everyone, whether an expert or a novice. And the best part is that there are plenty of options to choose from!
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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