It’s cold, it’s foggy, there are sharks and the waves are unpredictable, but sunrise to sunset there are people out surfing along the Bay Area beaches. What is wrong with these people?
By Alex Kolovyansky
Published: March, 2006
It’s cold, it’s foggy, there are sharks and the waves are unpredictable, but sunrise to sunset there are people out surfing along the Bay Area beaches. What is wrong with these people?
Everyone has their own reason for taking the plunge into a set of ocean waves, but the most common seems to be for the adrenalizing fun and the parallel calming effects. Most feel rejuvenated even after a short session in the water. It’s a wonderful feeling being connected to the ocean and riding waves produced by its majestic power. Surfing is a great work out, too. Although most surfers don’t put it in the same category as going the gym, they may practice yoga, run and do push-ups to get into surfing shape.
It seems that more and more people are taking to the saltwater, so luckily, surfing an easy sport to get into. Really, there are two things you need—waves and a board... and, unless you’re a member of the Arctic Club, a wet suit might come in handy around here. Once you get over the water temperature (currently about 51-55°F), you can enjoy one of San Francisco’s most popular water sports.
Beginners should head to Linda Mar in Pacifica, which is right off of the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway. It’s considered to be a safe area to learn, with two surf shops nearby that rent both wetsuits and surfboards. The beach has shower facilities (not common in most surf spots) to rinse off the sand and salt. This all makes for a great way to end a day at the beach.
As with anything new, it takes time to master the surfing basics. When learning, bigger is better. It’s recommended that folks who are starting out learn on a long board. Long boards tend to be more forgiving and easier to stand-up on, and are better for catching and coasting on smaller waves closer to shore. Long boards let you catch just about anything, including ankle biters, which, in the end, is the point. Catch more waves and learn to surf quicker.
Shorter boards are faster, more agile and typically used for bigger waves, but they don’t perform as well on smaller (wave) days. In the end, it’s really a matter of preference. Over time, surfing enthusiasts build a quiver of boards and pick one, depending on the prevailing conditions.
There is a plethora of shops in the Bay Area to buy new or used boards. Look for a local shop with a reputation for friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff, who can help pick the best board for your skill level. It really makes sense to buy the right board as a beginner, since it will only make your learning experience much more pleasant.
Surf season in Northern California typically starts in the fall and runs through the winter—the time of year characterized by larger waves and lighter winds. Waves range is substantial, depending on location, but can be 2-4 feet on small days and two-story-building big on others. Unless you can run 400 meters Carl Lewis style and then hold your breath for a minute, I wouldn’t recommend going out during the later. Check out any of the write ups from the recent Maverick’s Surf Contest and you’ll get a good idea. Conversely, spring and summer in the Bay Area tend to have smaller waves and windier conditions, but it’s the best time to learn, particularly in the mornings before the wind picks up. Wave range can be as manageable as 1-3 feet; and, if the weather is nice, it makes for a great, day escape.
Weather & Waves
Surf conditions in Northern California vary almost as much as our weather, so check them before heading out. Two sites with good information are www.surfpulse.com and www.surfline.com, which have daily write-ups on conditions for most of Bay Area’s spots, as well as other surfing spots around the world.
