We recently acquired six surfboards and I was wondering where is the best place to surf on the central CA coast?

We'll be taking lessons next week in Seaside, OR but will bring half of the boards back here for surfing on the CA coast.

Is Pismo Beach a good place to learn or is Avila better? We're planning a day trip right before school starts for a surf day.

Don't want to drive down to Southern CA just for the day. Want to do that area when we will have more time. Laguna, Malibu, etc. TIA!! ***kim***

Kimamom,
I'll check with my friend at work who I believe has tried Central Coast and report back.

Thanks! My oldest son is in Pismo right now with two of our boards so we'll see how it goes.

We're hoping to teach the rest of the family in a couple of weeks. I've never been to Avila Beach, how does it compare to Pismo as far as crowds, restaurants, shopping, etc? And are there REALLY a lot of sharks there? TIA! ***kim***

I don't know about Pismo, it's probably a good place to learn. One of the best places to learn is in my hometown, but I can't tell you where or all the locals will kill me!

My surf buddy and fellow colleague says: Pismo blows. Rincon (just south of Santa Barbara) is the "jewel of the California coast." Jalama Beach is out of the way, but is usually a magnet for any swell in the water, and it's a great campground. Other than that, I think you'd have to go to Santa Cruz for the good stuff. Try surfline.com for a list of cameras for each spot in CA, the cameras are organized from north to south. Also check Wetsand.com to future swell activity (SoCal is better on a SW swell, while NoCal and CentralCal pick up the NW swell activity. I think surf forecast for near future is grim.

Avila Beach is not as busy as Pismo. We like Avila alot, it is much more relaxing. Shopping & Food is very limited since the beach was redone several years ago. But it is beautiful. We enjoy watching the surfers from the pier in Avila and Pismo, they don't get alot of good waves. Although that could be a good thing for beginning surfers.

Oh Kim, what fun!!!
Please add to your excitement the fantastic movie "Riding Giants". It is awesome!
What wonderful family memories you are creating!

Here is a link for the theaters showing Riding Giants. Hope one is near you and your lads.
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Film...t.asp?id=39936

Far out man! A post about surfing, cowabunga. Oh! Sorry man, my pizza's here.

Thnaks for the responses! My son said it was fun learning in Pismo the past weekend. They're off to Seaside, OR to try their new boards there for a few days.

We haven't been to Avila Beach and may try that to teach my daughter in a few days. Is Fat Cat's Cafe a good place to eat in Avila? ***kim***