Surfing in San Diego

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Surfing

If you're a beginner, consider paddling in the waves off Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Tourmaline Surfing Park, La Jolla Shores, Del Mar, or Oceanside. More experienced surfers usually head for Sunset Cliffs, the La Jolla reef breaks, Black's Beach, or Swami's in Encinitas. All necessary equipment is included in the cost of all surfing schools. Hike Bike Kayak San Diego (2246 Ave. de la Playa, La Jolla. 858/551-9510 or 866/425-2925. www.hikebikekayak.com) gives group and private lessons in La Jolla, daily at 10 AM and 1 PM. Kahuna Bob's Surf School (760/721-7700 or 800/524-8627. www.kahunabob.com) conducts two-hour lessons in coastal North County seven days a week. San Diego Surfing Academy (760/230-1474 or 800/447-7873. www.surfsdsa.com) has surf camps and lessons at South Carlsbad State Beach. Surf Diva Surf School (2160 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla. 858/454-8273. www.surfdiva.com) offers clinics, surf camps, surf trips, and private lessons especially formulated for girls and women. Clinics and trips are for women only, but guys can book private lessons from the nationally recognized staff.

Many local surf shops rent both surf and bodyboards. Cheap Rentals Mission Beach (3689 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach. 858/488-9070 or 800/941-7761. www.cheap-rentals.com) is right on the boardwalk, just steps from the waves. Star Surfing Company (4652 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach. 858/273-7827. www.starsurfingco.com) can get you out surfing around the Crystal Pier. Hansen's (1105 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas. 760/753-6595 or 800/480-4754. www.hansensurf.com) is just a short walk from Swami's beach.