Surfing isn’t just a lifestyle, it’s a way of life. And, even though surfers can’t always be out on the water, I can guarantee that when that drive-through manager, or the neighborhood upholstery cleaner who is working their tail off, they’re really thinking about catching that perfect wave. The passion people have for the sport has had a major impact on the entire San Diego area. Even if you’re local to the area and don’t engage in shredding up the coastline, chances are the culture surrounding surfing still constitutes a part of your identity.
Big City or Surfing Town?
Despite San Diego being home to over 1 million residents, the surfing-themed bars, restaurants, and local flavor make it seem like the perfect surfing town. Don’t forget, although surfing has only been part of the mainstream culture in the continental U.S. for about 60 years, San Diego can largely be considered as the place where it all began. After all, it was here that Bob Simmons engineered the light, fiberglass model surfboard which has become the modern-day standard.
Catching Your First Wave
Surfing truly is a one-of-a-kind sport. What’s more, it’s not just about learning the techniques necessary to get up on your board. Surfing is also about learning about the coastal environment and reading the waves. At the end of the day, it’s just you and your board out there trying to catch the perfect wave. People often forget how individualized the sport truly is—but that is the point! You can’t win or lose, you can never get a bad score, and there are no rules to distract you from enjoying a great surf.
Just remember, if you’re going out for the first time, the sea can be very unforgiving. So, for those of you just starting or who don’t have a great deal of experience swimming amongst rip-tides and sometimes very strong currents, making sure a lifeguard is on duty is probably a good idea. Much less, if you’re not yet comfortable with surfing in general, why not try boogie boarding first? Trust me, there’s no shame in it and it’s a great way to gain some familiarity with the water before going full Kelly Slater in the cut.
Ripping it Up
Now, if you’re already a seasoned surfer, San Diego offers 70 miles of some of the sport’s best coastline. Also, this stretch of the Pacific coast offers a ton of different types of waves, so it’s you’re not just going to be surfing monsters. For instance, in the northern part of San Diego County, that is from Trestles down to Del Mar, the breaks mainly face the southwest. Not to mention, parts of coastal reefs, artificial levees, and river deltas make for a wondrous variety of superb waves. Furthermore, if you happen to be lucky enough to be out on the water when the seasonal Santa Ana winds meet the north shore’s topography, you’re in for a real treat.
Safety First
Finally, a word of caution. Notwithstanding the riptides and strong currents already discussed, there are other noteworthy hazards to keep in mind when catching the tide. Watch out for stingrays, jellyfish, and the occasional shark. Of course, these hazards are few and far between, so just have fun out there and hang ten!