Best Time to Surf on the West Coast

Finding the perfect surf spot on the West Coast as an intermediate surfer can be a game-changer. You're past the beginner white water stage, but you're not quite charging Mavericks. This article dives deep into the best West Coast surf spots tailored for intermediate surfers, complete with product recommendations, use cases, comparisons, and pricing details to elevate your surfing experience.

Understanding Intermediate Surfing Skills

So, you've mastered the pop-up and can consistently ride unbroken waves. Congratulations! But what exactly defines an intermediate surfer? Typically, it means you can confidently paddle out, catch green waves, perform basic turns (like cutbacks and bottom turns), and understand wave selection. You're looking for waves that offer a bit more challenge without being overwhelming. This usually translates to waves in the 3-6 foot range with some shape and push.

Before we jump into specific locations, let's briefly touch on the essential skills you should be honing at this level:

• Wave Reading: Identifying which waves will break cleanly and offer a good ride.
• Paddling Endurance: Being able to paddle efficiently and maintain position in the lineup.
• Turning Techniques: Refining your cutbacks, bottom turns, and potentially experimenting with floaters or snaps.
• Positioning: Understanding where to sit in the lineup to maximize your chances of catching waves.
• Ocean Awareness: Recognizing rips, currents, and other potential hazards.

Top West Coast Surf Spots for Intermediate Surfers A Comprehensive Guide

Now, let’s get to the good stuff! The West Coast boasts a diverse range of surf spots, each offering unique challenges and rewards. Here are some of the best options for intermediate surfers, broken down by region:

Southern California Surf Breaks for Intermediate Surfers

Southern California is a surfer's paradise, with consistent waves and a vibrant surf culture. Here are a few standout spots for intermediate riders:

San Onofre Old Man's A Classic Longboarding Wave

San Onofre's Old Man's is renowned for its mellow, longboard-friendly waves. It's perfect for practicing your cross-stepping and nose-riding skills. The wave breaks gently, making it forgiving and ideal for honing your technique.

Why it's great for intermediates: Long, rolling waves provide ample time to practice maneuvers. The gentle break reduces the risk of wipeouts.

Product Recommendation: A longboard specifically designed for nose-riding, such as the Bing Collector. This board offers excellent stability and glide, making it perfect for San Onofre.

Use Case: Practicing cross-stepping and nose-riding techniques on long, mellow waves.

Product Comparison: The Bing Collector ($1200) excels in nose-riding compared to shorter longboards like the Torq Mod Fun 7'6" ($600), which offers more maneuverability but less stability for cross-stepping.

Detailed Information: The Bing Collector features a classic outline, a gentle rocker, and a wide nose for maximum stability. It's available in various lengths and custom options.

Huntington Beach South Side Pier Consistent and Accessible

Huntington Beach, aka "Surf City USA," offers consistent waves and a lively atmosphere. The South Side of the Pier generally provides manageable conditions for intermediate surfers. The waves here are often punchy and offer opportunities for shortboard maneuvers.

Why it's great for intermediates: Consistent waves, various peaks, and a lively surf scene.

Product Recommendation: A performance shortboard like the Channel Islands Fever. This board is designed for speed and maneuverability, allowing you to take advantage of Huntington's punchy waves.

Use Case: Practicing turns and developing your shortboard skills in a dynamic surf environment.

Product Comparison: The Channel Islands Fever ($850) is more performance-oriented than a fish-shaped board like the Lost Puddle Jumper ($750), which is easier to paddle but less responsive in steeper waves.

Detailed Information: The Channel Islands Fever features a moderate rocker, a refined outline, and a thruster fin setup. It's designed for experienced surfers but can be adapted for intermediate riders by selecting a slightly wider and thicker model.

Malibu Surfrider Beach A Long Left Point Break

Malibu's Surfrider Beach is famous for its long, peeling left-hand point break. While it can get crowded, the wave is generally mellow and forgiving, making it a great option for intermediate surfers looking to improve their wave-riding skills.

Why it's great for intermediates: Long, manageable waves offer ample opportunity for practice. The point break setup allows for consistent wave selection.

Product Recommendation: A mid-length board like the Al Merrick Water Hog. This board combines the paddle power of a longboard with the maneuverability of a shortboard, making it ideal for Malibu's long lefts.

Use Case: Riding long, peeling waves and practicing turns in a controlled environment.

Product Comparison: The Al Merrick Water Hog ($900) provides a good balance between paddle power and maneuverability compared to a true longboard, which can be difficult to turn in Malibu's often crowded conditions.

Detailed Information: The Al Merrick Water Hog features a moderate rocker, a rounded pin tail, and a 2+1 fin setup. It's a versatile board that can handle a variety of wave conditions.

Central California Surf Breaks for Intermediate Surfers

Central California offers a more rugged and less crowded surf experience than Southern California. Here are a couple of spots worth checking out:

Morro Bay A Variety of Peaks

Morro Bay offers a variety of peaks that cater to different skill levels. The waves here can be powerful, but there are also mellower sections suitable for intermediate surfers. Check the conditions before paddling out, as the currents can be strong.

Why it's great for intermediates: Variety of wave types, less crowded than Southern California spots.

Product Recommendation: A versatile shortboard like the Firewire Seaside. This board is designed for speed and maneuverability in a variety of wave conditions.

Use Case: Surfing a variety of wave types and improving your overall surfing skills.

Product Comparison: The Firewire Seaside ($800) is more versatile than a traditional fish-shaped board, which can be difficult to control in steeper waves.

Detailed Information: The Firewire Seaside features a wide outline, a flat rocker, and a quad fin setup. It's designed to be fast and responsive, making it a great choice for Morro Bay's varied wave conditions.

Pismo Beach Relatively Consistent Waves

Pismo Beach offers relatively consistent waves that are generally manageable for intermediate surfers. The pier often creates sandbars that produce fun, playful waves. Be aware of the crowds, especially on weekends.

Why it's great for intermediates: Consistent waves, manageable conditions, and a fun surf town atmosphere.

Product Recommendation: A funboard like the Torq Mod Fun 7'6". This board is easy to paddle and offers plenty of stability, making it perfect for Pismo Beach's mellow waves.

Use Case: Practicing basic maneuvers and enjoying a fun, relaxed surfing experience.

Product Comparison: The Torq Mod Fun 7'6" ($600) is more stable and easier to paddle than a shortboard, making it a good choice for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Detailed Information: The Torq Mod Fun 7'6" features a forgiving outline, a moderate rocker, and a thruster fin setup. It's a durable and affordable option for surfers of all skill levels.

Northern California Surf Breaks for Intermediate Surfers

Northern California offers a more rugged and challenging surf experience. The water is colder, and the waves can be more powerful. However, the scenery is stunning, and the crowds are generally smaller.

Pacifica Linda Mar Beach A Beginner Friendly Beach Break

While known as a beginner spot, Linda Mar in Pacifica can offer fun, manageable waves for intermediate surfers, especially during smaller swells. The beach break is relatively consistent, and there are several surf schools in the area.

Why it's great for intermediates: Consistent waves, sheltered from larger swells, and a supportive surf community.

Product Recommendation: A soft-top surfboard like the Wavestorm 8' Classic Surfboard. This board is incredibly durable and easy to paddle, making it a great option for learning and practicing.

Use Case: Practicing basic maneuvers and building confidence in a forgiving environment.

Product Comparison: The Wavestorm 8' Classic Surfboard ($200) is much more affordable and durable than a traditional fiberglass surfboard, making it a great choice for beginners and intermediate surfers who are prone to dings.

Detailed Information: The Wavestorm 8' Classic Surfboard features a soft foam deck, a durable polyethylene bottom, and a thruster fin setup. It's a versatile board that can handle a variety of wave conditions.

Santa Cruz Cowell Beach Gentle Waves Perfect for Beginners and Intermediates

Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz is another beginner-friendly spot that can be fun for intermediate surfers on smaller days. The waves are gentle and long, providing ample opportunity to practice your skills.

Why it's great for intermediates: Gentle waves, long rides, and a beautiful setting.

Product Recommendation: A longboard like the Channel Islands Water Hog. This board offers excellent stability and glide, making it perfect for Cowell Beach's long, mellow waves.

Use Case: Practicing cross-stepping and nose-riding techniques on long, gentle waves.

Product Comparison: The Channel Islands Water Hog ($900) is more maneuverable than a traditional longboard, making it easier to turn in Cowell Beach's often crowded conditions.

Detailed Information: The Channel Islands Water Hog features a moderate rocker, a rounded pin tail, and a 2+1 fin setup. It's a versatile board that can handle a variety of wave conditions.

Essential Surf Gear for Intermediate Surfers

Beyond your surfboard, there are several other pieces of gear that can significantly enhance your surfing experience. Here's a rundown of essential items:

Wetsuits Choosing the Right Thickness

A good wetsuit is crucial for surfing on the West Coast, where the water can be cold year-round. The thickness of your wetsuit will depend on the water temperature. Generally, a 3/2mm wetsuit is suitable for Southern California, while a 4/3mm or even a 5/4mm wetsuit may be necessary for Central and Northern California.

Product Recommendation: The O'Neill Hyperfreak 4/3mm Wetsuit. This wetsuit is known for its flexibility, warmth, and durability.

Use Case: Staying warm and comfortable while surfing in cold water.

Product Comparison: The O'Neill Hyperfreak ($350) offers superior flexibility compared to cheaper wetsuits, allowing for greater freedom of movement while paddling and surfing.

Detailed Information: The O'Neill Hyperfreak features Technobutter 3 neoprene, which is incredibly stretchy and lightweight. It also has a F.U.Z.E closure system for easy entry and exit.

Leashes Ensuring Safety and Board Security

A leash is essential for keeping your surfboard attached to you after a wipeout. Choose a leash that is slightly longer than your surfboard to provide adequate distance between you and your board.

Product Recommendation: The Creatures of Leisure Reliance Comp Leash. This leash is known for its strength, durability, and comfortable ankle strap.

Use Case: Preventing your surfboard from drifting away after a wipeout.

Product Comparison: The Creatures of Leisure Reliance Comp Leash ($35) is more durable than cheaper leashes, reducing the risk of snapping in heavy surf.

Detailed Information: The Creatures of Leisure Reliance Comp Leash features a strong urethane cord, stainless steel swivels, and a comfortable neoprene ankle strap.

Fins Enhancing Performance and Maneuverability

Fins play a crucial role in the performance of your surfboard. Different fin setups (e.g., thruster, quad, twin) and fin shapes can significantly affect your board's speed, maneuverability, and control.

Product Recommendation: The FCS II Accelerator PC Thruster Fins. These fins are known for their versatility and all-around performance.

Use Case: Improving your surfboard's speed, maneuverability, and control.

Product Comparison: The FCS II Accelerator PC Thruster Fins ($120) offer a good balance between speed and control compared to other fin models, making them a versatile choice for a variety of wave conditions.

Detailed Information: The FCS II Accelerator PC Thruster Fins feature a balanced template, a medium flex, and a performance core construction. They are designed for surfers who want a versatile fin that can handle a variety of wave conditions.

Surf Wax Maintaining Grip and Preventing Slips

Surf wax is essential for maintaining grip on your surfboard. Choose a wax that is appropriate for the water temperature.

Product Recommendation: Sex Wax Quick Humps. This wax is known for its stickiness and long-lasting performance.

Use Case: Maintaining grip on your surfboard and preventing slips.

Product Comparison: Sex Wax Quick Humps ($5) is a widely used and trusted wax that provides excellent grip in a variety of water temperatures.

Detailed Information: Sex Wax Quick Humps is available in a variety of formulas for different water temperatures. Apply a base coat of hard wax before applying the top coat for best results.

Safety Tips for Intermediate Surfers

Surfing can be a dangerous sport, so it's essential to prioritize safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always surf with a buddy.
• Check the surf report and be aware of the conditions.
• Know your limits and don't paddle out in conditions that are beyond your skill level.
• Be aware of rips and currents.
• Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Stay hydrated.
• Be respectful of other surfers.

Final Thoughts on West Coast Surfing for Intermediates

The West Coast offers a wealth of opportunities for intermediate surfers to hone their skills and enjoy the thrill of riding waves. By choosing the right spots, investing in the right gear, and prioritizing safety, you can have an unforgettable surfing experience. So, grab your board, wax it up, and get out there!