All over the south and north coast of San Diego are some of the most supreme surf breaks, all of which are either beach, reef or cobblestone. There is a large variety of choices when surfing San Diego, if you have patience and the gas. During the summer, we don’t catch a lot of swells; however, Santa Ana winds provide some of the best conditions during the summer. According to a website about currents, pollution and upwelling, during the winter, the water gets cold and the water is polluted more often than in the summer, but the waves get bigger (scrippsoceanography.org).

   Local surfers have their favorite spots, with a particular break that is their favorite.

   Junior Hunter Littlewood said, “Blacks [is my favorite] because it’s not usually that crowded, and the waves are sweet… And, it’s big in the winter, and no one really goes out.” According to a website about the geography of Blacks Beach, Blacks is said to have a very unique appeal. It’s considered to be a very consistent spot, depending on the swell, and has three separate breaks, all of which can get really crowded during the summer (patch.com).

   Senior Josh Martinez said, “Mine is probably Imperial Beach; it sucks three-fourths of the time, but it’s my home beach, and it’s where I learned how to surf.” Imperial Beach is a much underrated break. On straight south swells, the break is very similar to a beach break in Namibia, South Africa (Skeleton Bay). Peeling only left, the wave can stretch out to thirty to forty second rides. If you’re surfing the south side of the pier, there’s a slight chance that you might have to shoot the pier, according to a website with information about Imperial Beach (patch.com)          

   Junior Walter Watkins said, “PB Point and Hermo’s. It’s a long cruising wave. Right around the corner is a hidden reef, which is pumping on south swells.” PB Point is a combination of both beach and reef break. South of the break is Tourmaline and Crystal Pier. North of the point is a secluded reef break known as “Hermo’s” (patch.com).

   Junior Sebastian Andree said, “Mine is up north near the Cardiff area, because the people are a lot more generous, and there’s plenty of spots.” In northern San Diego, there is a large selection of surf spots, and every spot has its own peculiar way of breaking. Beacon’s is a well-known break. Surfers of all experience levels surf there. However, like any other beach, Beacon’s has strong rip currents and can be polluted after it rains for a couple days. Also, the bottom is riddled with cobblestone and can be hazardous when it’s low tide or when you’re taking a wave in (patch.com).

   Junior Kent Pinz said, “Probably the Shores, because you can always count on the foamies to be fun obstacles you can weave through.” La Jolla Shores is a beach break north of La Jolla cove. According to a website about the Shores, the best conditions to surf the Shores is at medium tide with a west or west north swell direction and with east winds. However, this spot can get very crowded really quickly, so surfing early in the morning can be your best option. Or, you can walk over to Blacks, which is north of Scripps (surfline.com).

   “Swamis, because it’s a nice long ride, and the locals are friendly, and it’s just a very beautiful place to surf,” said Senior Ilana Levy. Swamis is a combination of sand and cobblestone. The beach connects several miles of uninterrupted beaches from San Elijo to South Carlsbad Beach Jetty. Somewhat similar to Blacks or Sunset Cliffs, Swamis resides at the point of a long coastline. The plants and palm trees growing out of the bluffs gives Swamis its own distinct appearance (patch.com).

   And there you have it: local surfers reveal their favorite spots and why those breaks are the best in their books. In the meantime, summer is almost here, so no need for wetsuits; just check out Surfline or Magicseaweed to check out where to find some tasty waves.