California waves??

garrett · Since 03 Mar 2005 11 Posts Canada New Member

Other than Waddel, what is your favorite Cali wave spot?

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Haven't found anything that is as consistently windy with good waves yet. Waddell has been great the past two days. 6-8m weather with head high to 1.5 OH waves yesterday and smaller stuff today. Let's hope it's ON tomorrow again.

Other spots in the Bay Area include Ocean Beach in SF, Stinson, Dylan, Bodega, etc. Stinson doesn't get as much wind and the waves are a lot smaller. OB is a messy soup of waves. Haven't checked the other spots, but I've heard some of them can be good. Then there's Central Cali like Pismo and Jalama. I think there might be a couple good spots down there, but I haven't ridden anywhere besides Pismo, which doesn't get as much wind as Jalama and the wind is a bit too on-shore at Pismo.

If you can hit Waddell in the early afternoon on a weekday then that's the call. Wind and waves without the weekend crowds. If you're around this week let me know and we can grab a sesh.

garrett · Since 03 Mar 2005 11 Posts Canada New Member

Waddel is my preference for sure, but I am travelling with my family which includes my little kiddies 0 and 2 years. So Pismo has been my favorite because it is good for everyone, but I agree the wind is too onshore. Any other spots that aren't as isolated as waddel, somewhere close to kiddie and wife entertainment? Thanks

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

If you are camping, a couple days at Jalama could be epic. A little off the beaten path but definitely a Cali top 3 spot. The only thing there is a campground. But its a good one. Good cafe and gen'l store for firewood and small food items/beer. I've hit this place a few times in the spring and it delivers! Big waves, heavy wind, and it is very scenic.

http://www.jalamabeach.com/

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

I've heard good stuff about Jalama too, but unfortunately never been there. If you want entertainment for the family something North of SF could be good too. Stinson is a popular beach with the weekend crowds and has a cute little town there. The waves aren't as big, but some people like riding there. For bigger waves you can head North towards Dylan, Limanteur (spelling), Bodega, etc. I haven't kited there so you'll have to do a bit of research, but I've heard good stuff about some of the spots up there. Also, there's some beach towns and camp sites and state parks (not to mention wine tasting) up there so if you poke around I'm sure you'll find something that works for everyone.

You can also check www.bayareakiteboarding.com. You'll find more local knowledge there. Have fun!

marina c · Mon Mar 24, 08 8:58 am

don't bother with Jalama with any forecast with North in it

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

if you can get wind at stinson beach, i'd definatly recommend that. when i was travelling through cali we stopped there and it is a beautiful beach. had perfectly mild waves the day i visited but no wind.

i also kited ocean beach on a weak southerly when i was down there. it was lots of fun.

boredbrain · Since 16 Feb 2006 352 Posts Hood River Obsessed

Jalama gets BIG and CRUNCHY, be careful and ....

The Santa Barbara Area, Ledbetter, UCSB, C Street, .....

SLO Town is good just watch out for Bulls.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

I would second santa barbie for the fam - jalama is a favorite but a lot like the OR coast - nice camping off the beaten path

Mocean · Since 21 Sep 2005 343 Posts Newport Obsessed

Ventura Fairgrounds/C-Street goes off!

garrett · Since 03 Mar 2005 11 Posts Canada New Member

I have never been to Jalama or C street, but I have heard great things. What kite size am I looking at for those spots? I am 220 lbs. Anyone know of good camping near the beach for C Street?

scottnorby · Mon Mar 24, 08 5:45 pm

Klamath rivermouth rights are insane.

Rode Arcata and a few areas south last summer. Just as good as Oregon.

Further south ---definitely Pismo beach's Oceano Dunes...camp and drive on the beach. Bonfires--- good vibes in San Luis Obispo.

Even better drive out to Guadalupe dunes park. Really good inside shorebreak and a steep beach. Fun waves.

North of that----- Hazards canyon and supertubes. Rocky shore but worth it when you are in the water.
Morro Bay strand, Cuyucos and most definitely Arroyo Laguna.

In my opinion anything south of Pismo is just a serious pain in the ass.

Staring at perfect waves and sideshore wind while a $10 an hour cheesy greased up lifeguard stares you down---ready to pounce if you pump up a kite on his 'off limits for kiting beach'-------not my idea of freedom.

Lived down there for 3 years as a kiter.

We own the best west coast surfkiting up here in the NW.

But really....screw California just ride here.

garrett · Since 03 Mar 2005 11 Posts Canada New Member

great input, thanks dax. I love Oregon, and have spent a lot of time all over the coast. It has been a few years since we hit California, and the weather is warmer in June, that makes the wife happy. I will check out Guadalupe dunes park, just south of pismo right? Where was the no kite beach with cheesy lifeguards???? Have you been to Jalama? I have definitely heard a lot of good reports about the riding there. More important than the kiting is the family contentment, if they aren't happy the kiting won't work. A great camping family area is necessary, the wind and waves are a killer bonus for me.

backtoCaLi · Since 15 Mar 2008 74 Posts Nor-Cal

yea screw Cali! It sucks down here, there are a ton of surfers with a shittay vibe, the waves are little in June, whitey is everpresent,
its expensive, territorial, kiters are not welcome at most breaks.
stay in OR....

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

You won't be sorry at Jalama if you are camping (restaurant, general store, great sites - you really can't call it camping Very Happy

, so the family should be happy).

We lived in LA/SD for several years. The most populated of western cities had several parks and places that you could windsurf, kite and surf. Not a single problem w/lifeguards but I'm sure it has happened.

As others have said, SB is a great place. South of that Ventura/C street, south of that Leo Carillo State Beach but now you are into a region where the winds won't probably be there until summer thermals start kicking in - I'd stay north of this unless you get a good weather report. As far as camping, Leo Carillo is really fun. There are campsites in SB county and Ventura too but Leo has it all with a surf break and different areas for surfing and windsurfing/kiting designated by buoys.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

I'd love to go to Jalama or Davenport/ Santa Cruz area sometime, although I've heard it's pretty territorial in the SC area. I also wouldn't mind finding some So Cal spots to ride.

marina c · Tue Mar 25, 08 10:14 am

okay guys. just a word of warning that jalama is hit miss and doesn't work on a north, which is our prevailing wind direction (NW).

It's absolutely BEAUTIFUL and serene there with great campground, etc. but be forewarned.

RE: Guadalupe, note that you cannot bring dogs in there, even if they are in your car. A ranger made me tie mine up OUTSIDE the park entrance which is like a 1/4 mile from the parking lot.

Anywhere you go just respect the locals and ask questions about any rules/regulations, ESPECIALLY if you go to Pismo. The Sierra Club is out in force with cameras and video recorders looking for anyone to screw up so they can run to the state officials and show how we are endangering their beloved 'endangered' snowy plovers.