Surfing in San Diego

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. Beach area Y's offer surf lessons and surf camp in the summer months, and during spring break. Hike Bike Kayak San Diego (2246 Ave. de la Playa, La Jolla, 92037. 858/551-9510 or 866/425-2925. www.hikebikekayak.com) gives group and private lessons in La Jolla, year-round. If you know what you're doing but didn't bring your stick, they rent boards, too. 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. They offer surf camp in summer for the children. San Diego Surfing Academy (760/230-1474 or 800/447-7873. www.surfsdsa.com) has private lessons anytime, group lessons twice daily during the warmer months, and five-day surf camps for teens, kids, and adults. The academy, which has called San Diego home for more than a dozen years, is based at South Carlsbad State Beach. Surf Diva Surf School (2160 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 92109. 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, 92108. 858/488-9070 or 800/941-7761. www.cheap-rentals.com) is right on the boardwalk, just steps from the waves. They rent wetsuits, bodyboards, and skimboards in addition to soft surfboards and long and short fiberglass rides. Star Surfing Company (4652 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 92109. 858/273-7827. www.starsurfingco.com) can get you out surfing around the Crystal Pier, with wetsuits, bodyboards, and surfboards. Hansen's (1105 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 92024. 760/753-6595 or 800/480-4754. www.hansensurf.com) is just a short walk from Swami's beach. One of San Diego's oldest and most popular surf shops, it has an extensive selection of boards, wetsuits and clothing for sale, and a rental department as well.

Surfing is Swell

In San Diego the biggest swells usually occur in winter, although good-size waves can form year-round. Generally, swells come from a northerly direction in winter, although in summer they tend to come from the south. Certain surf spots are better on different swells. In winter, try beaches like Swami's or Black's Beach. Summer spots are La Jolla's Windansea and nearby Tourmaline Surfing Park. Surf the Web at www.sandiegoinsidertours.com to learn more.