Are you planning a California Surf Trip, but aren’t sure where to start? We took a month to road trip up the coast of California and map out a list of recommended spots. These are what we found to be the top five places to catch a wave in the Golden State!
- Rincon Point, Carpinteria
This famous location has been dubbed the “Queen of the Coast” and described by surf historians as “America’s gold-standard point break.” Rincon straddles the border of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The waves are so epic during winter swells that Surfline.com concluded, “Some spots serve as undeniable proof that our Creator was a surfer.” If you’re driving on U.S. 101 and see a crowded line-up, pull off to watch the action.
Surf Trip Necessities: Step 1 is getting your board to these killer locations! This super basic Thule AeroBlade Edge Flush Mount Rack is a sleek solution. This rack is aerodynamic, with WindDiffuser technology limiting the noise and drag for improved fuel economy. It’s also ridiculously easy to install!
Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Thule-AeroBlade-Edge-Flush-Mount/dp/B01I0STWSO‘
2. The Wedge, Newport Beach
The Wedge is known to have one of the most powerful beach breaks in the world, creating large, breathtaking wedge-shaped waves that are ridden by the planets best surfers and fearless bodyboarders. The Wedge beach breaks are most intense throughout the summer and fall months, making it perfect for hard charging watermen and kicked back spectators alike.
Surf Trip Necessities: Ditch the pool noodles! Dakine’s Aero Rack Pads are the perfect partner for the Thule rack mentioned above. These puppies are aerodynamic and have generous upper padding to give your board a comfy ride.
Buy them here: https://www.amazon.com/DAKINE-Aero-Rack-Pads-34/dp/B078XP3Q6L
3. First Point, Malibu
Malibu is considered the birthplace of modern surfing, famous for inventing the art of style. Malibu is where surfing transitioned from counterculture to mainstream Americana. The waves at First Point provide the perfect combination of shape and speed to allow surfers to focus on one thing: style. Malibu is a historic place to surf and a must visit for any surfers cruising the Cali coastline!
Surf Trip Necessities: Strap her down! Thule’s 531 Express Surf Strap is the way to go. These are made specifically to hold down surfboards and SUPs.
Check them out here: https://www.amazon.com/Thule-531-Express-Surf-Strap/dp/B00GZQA27Y
4. San Francisco/Marin, Ocean Beach
While there are a few popular spots along the Bay Area’s coastal side, there’s none so iconic and challenging as Ocean Beach. Part of the “burbs” in the city of San Francisco, this wide stretch of water attracts surfers stoked to rip the frequently large (8-15 feet is not uncommon) and consistent thumping wave.
Surf Trip Necessities: Keep your surfboard safe in a bag while traveling to prevent sun damage, dings, and melted wax!
We really like this one by Dakine: https://www.amazon.com/Dakine-Unisex-Cyclone-Thruster-Surfboard/dp/B07B7HV2WM
5. Surfers Point Beach, Ventura
Located near the historic Ventura Pier, Surfers Point provides one of the most idyllic and consistent right hand waves The Golden State has to offer. Surfers Point has a welcoming feel and is perfect for surfers of all styles and abilities. Plus, there is no shortage of tacos in Ventura to fill you up after a surf workout!
Surf Trip Necessities: This awesome bag is weather-resistant, has a padded bottom, can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffle, and packs down super small. It is the ultimate surf travel bag!
Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Dakine-Ranger-Duffle-60L/dp/B074JKTMKD
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