Surfing in San Luis Obispo

Central Coast's beginner's guide to surfing

By Doug Swarts
Curious about surfing in San Luis Obispo? There are plenty of resources online, and local vendors who offer lessons here on the central coast to get you started. However most beginners discover surfing SLO County is far from friendly or serene. The goal of this article is to tell readers what to expect when learning to surf this region. To understand how the surf is characterized between northern and southern California, all you need to do is look at a map.

Unlike southern California, where the coastline tucks in behind Pt. Conception and the Channel Islands, the northern and central coasts are fully exposed to the north pacific swells, storms, and wind. This makes surfing the central coast much more sensitive to time of year; not as much due to seasonal swell activity, but due to seasonal wind patterns.

As most California surfers are aware, fall and winter is the prime season for surfing. Favorable offshore winds combined with long period west and north west swells makes for ideal conditions across most of California. September to March is SLO County's prime time to find good surf. By the beginning of April, the wind shifts mercilessly onshore, creating junky, disorganized surf for most of spring and summer. 

Consistent favorable conditions can be hard to find on the central coast. Understanding what swell directions, tides, and winds work at different surf breaks requires:

a) years experience surfing the area

b) a lot of free time

c) plenty of gas money

or

d) a local willing to show you

However for most beginners, these variables aren't nearly as important to the more experienced surfer, seeking better quality waves. On most days beginners can learn plenty from surfing the well known beach breaks such as Pismo, Shell Beach, and Morro Bay. When friends claim they're serious about wanting to learn how to surf here, this what I tell them to expect: 

1) It's gonna be cold. Before surfing in San Luis Obispo take the time to invest in a quality wetsuit that fits, along with booties, and for those windy days, a hood. Nothing is fun when you're cold. Especially surfing.

2) You won't be riding waves, at least not for awhile. It takes a solid year of learning how to deal with the ocean, let alone catching, and then riding a wave. Once you're comfortable in the ocean, and learn how to identify potential dangers and risks, you'll be able focus on actually surfing.

3) Etiquette. There will always be someone better than you, and there will always be someone worse than you. It's your responsibility to abide by your role in the hierarchy and maintain a safe environment. The most dangerous surfers are those least aware. Take the time to understand the conditions that day, how to maneuver away from oncoming surfers, and to look before you drop in on a wave. If you're greedy, clueless, or both, you'll soon realize locals have a very low tolerance for disrespect and lack of awareness. 

4) Surf in your limits. You're not doing anyone a favor by putting yourself in a dangerous or uncomfortable position. When surfing new areas, take the time to understand the underwater geography, nearby river mouths, sea life…etc. There are always signals that warn of danger, you just need to learn how to recognize them. 

5) Avoid learning on SUPs. SUPs are a great form of fitness, but they are also extremely dangerous to others when ridden by beginners, especially beginners who have no experience in the ocean. Learn the ocean on a surfboard first.

These are a couple of guidelines to keep in mind if you're picking up surfing. As you progress and explore, you'll be rewarded if you expand your horizons appropriately and respectfully. It's a unique coastline, filtered from busy highways, metropolitan populations, offering a diverse wave selection among the reefs and beaches of the central coast. You are going to enjoy surfing in San Luis Obispo. See you in the water!