Best Beaches for Novice Surfers in California
So you want to learn how to surf, but are either a bit nervous about the breaking waves or avoiding the “kook” label. Whether you live or travel to California, every guy and gal dreams of smoothly surfing 20-foot wave while their beach-blown hair flutters in the wind. But in reality, your skill level requires small breaks and whitewash to build up your sea legs. If in search for waves that build and progress your skills, check out these top beaches in California for novice surfers.
Mondos Beach, Ventura
This soft-rolling, consistent break beach is ideal for first time surfers. This beach is sheltered from Santa Cruz Islands, which takes the bigger wave hits. Mondos’ atmosphere has the traditional palm-tree, café lined shoreline and is quieter than most beaches, thus easing in the beginner surfer.
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Malibu
The perfect right point break is long and slow and perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. Many long boards ride waves at this beach. The waste-high waves are ideal for those who are not yet experienced riding the adventurous waves.
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Linda Mar Beach
Located a half-hour south of San Francisco is Linda Mar, which is one of very few beginner beaches in Cali. Although it may not be ideal, the best gentle breaks are during the winter months, which are more ideal than the chilly spring-water and foggy summer shorelines.
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Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach is ideal for beginners, but it mainly depends on weather conditions and swell direction. When air and water unite, the conditions are perfect and offer catchable waves. Check out the annual fall surf festival.
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Scripps
Scripps is located in San Diego County and a perfect novice hot-spot. This is one of the most popular beach breaks in So-Cal thanks to the sandbars, located on each side of the pier, produce rolling waves that are ideal for beginners.
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Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
Calling all beginners to catch the gentle two or three-foot waves that rolls through on a consistent basis. The waves are longer and smaller, which could not be more perfect, other than a sunny Californian day.
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Dogpatch at San Onofre
Dogpatch is located down the shoreline from, and the first step before conquering, Old Man’s waves. Dogpatch allows surfers to develop their skills with slow waves. Old Man is more vigorous and requires a 15-minute paddle to the break. Thus, dogpatch is the most ideal learning grounds for newbies.
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