Hi guys, Let me introduce myself and explain my situation. I'm from São Paulo, Brazil. I lived and worked in LA for a year, and I surfed ALOT. every weekend I would go to a point break (Trestles, Malibu, Topanga), or a nice beachbreak away from LA (usually HB or Ventura), but I never surfed San Diego. I'm going to SoCal on my Honeymoon this September, so surfing isn't my priority this time. HOWEVER, I would be insane not to surf, so I was planning on Staying 2 days in San Clemente where I could surf Trestles during the week... PROBLEM IS, I just learned the Hurley Pro will be on during my stay, SO I WANT TO BE AS FAR AWAY FROM THERE AS POSSIBLE, I don't want to compete for waves with the best in the world, plus, Lowers will be off limits. This is why I'm changing plans, and I was thinking about staying in San Diego for my one surf day. I really liked ENCINITAS, great reef breaks, and some good beach breaks. But it seems that those breaks aren't well exposed to South swells... Considering it's September, I believe most of the swell will be from the South, so that can be a problem. Can you guys give me any tips about where I should surf, and most importantly, if it's true that a S swell won't work for Encinitas? Any Reefbreak in Encinitas that can boost some SSW surf? I really appreciate your help. Thanks!
every weekend I would go to a point break (Trestles, Malibu, Topanga), or a nice beachbreak away from LA (usually HB or Ventura), but I never surfed San Diego. But it seems that those breaks aren't well exposed to South swells... Considering it's September, I believe most of the swell will be from the South, so that can be a problem. encinitas Locksmith
NORTH* Oceanside harbor jetties or the pier. For Hurricane swells, head to Newport SOUTH* Wind and Sea, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Imperial Beach. Mostly beach breaks here and kind of ghetto for a honeymoon. Encinitas can get good on souths but smaller than more focussed areas, check Seaside. If your going late in September you could get a little bump from the north too, if so, go to Blacks, even if its small. My call would be to stay and surf in Encinitas. It's chill and there are lots of crowded little spots around. If you have 1 day to surf in the month of September, expect small surf with good conditions.
Yeah, all of north county is aimed slightly south west getting steeper as you head north. Del Mar and Oceanside are always good, but with the Hurley Pro I would head down to the La Jolla reefs, blacks or OB. Ob picks up everything as does blacks unless its an incredibly steep south swell with no west in it, then it wouldnt wrap well around the point at La Jolla cove. But seaside reef in Cardiff and all those spots will work. It doesn't take much, u just won't be surfing Swamis unless there is heavy swell. There are a couple summer reefs on Sunset cliffs that are super fun, but they will be loc'd out if there is a wave and they are single peak takeoffs. The cliffs work on a heavy south swell, but if its not a solid 6 foot plus, don't waste your time
go to blacks. cool spot, great surf and you can bring the wife down. just dont let her venture too far north..... unless you are into that sorta thing
San Diego is not really the best place for summer swells, but September can surprise you if the off shores pick up - usually in the fall so you could get lucky in September. The other posts give good locations. Oceanside is your best bet to catch the south swell, but not where I'd choose to go for a honeymoon. Encinitas is my favorite San Diego surf community - may pick up a south if it's not too steep. La Jolla is good for the honeymoon. WindnSea is the best wave in the area, but be careful with the locals. I've seen several fights break out there in and out of the water. There's a reef break in La Jolla called Bird Rock that will pick up a south. You'll also be close to Blacks. You have to surf Blacks. Biggest deal for you in San Diego will be the crowds. Lots of surfers here. If you get a chance, head south of the border. La Fonda is about 45 mins south and always has surf, but I don't care how warm the water is in San Diego, Mexico will be cold and you'll need a full suit. With only one day to surf, it's hard to tell what your best bet is. Best honeymoon locations in my opinion: 1)Downtown 2)La Jolla 3)Encinitas 4)Coronado - nice beach, but not for surfing - waves close out.
Yes I was in SD area last week on vacation and noticed Coronado beach (went to the Silver Strand st beach area) was similar to the sand bar breaks we get in mid-Atlantic Deleware/MD areas...lots of short rides and close outs. For Honeymoon purposes Downtown or La Jolla seem to be very nice areas to keep the lady happy. I saw a swanky upscale place right on the beack in Mission Beach but don't know what it was called (looked really nice). We stayed on vacation in the Liberty Station area near airport which was very nice and quiet (planeflights end at 8pm), and with rental car we could get to Pacific, Mission and Ocean (sunset cliffs) beaches in 5-10 minutes tops. Coronado and La Jolla about 15 min. Traffic and Parking in LaJolla sucks though. We really had no trouble anywhere else around San Diego areas with either traffic or parking.
you should watch the final ready to go surf! run out there as soon as horn blows. bam! lowers with minimal crowd, for a few sets at least.
