Surfing in SLO CAL: Tips for Beginners

What is the best time for surfing?

The spring and summer months provide smaller, more manageable waves for beginners looking to learn the ropes. Throughout the fall and winter season, waves build in size and power—great news for avid surfers.

Regardless of your skill level, always aim to hit the water in the still hours of the morning, avoiding pesky afternoon winds. Now, get ready to bust out the wetsuit and wax that board: You’re just three steps from hanging ten in SLO CAL.
 

Photo credit: Acacia Productions

Life’s a beach in SLO CAL. Boasting 80 miles of diverse coastline, discover waves suited for every skill level. A far cry from overcrowded sands, you’ll find plenty of shreddable territory (that is, if you know where to look). Here are a few surf spots to consider:
 

Beginner to Intermediate

Oceano and Pismo Beach: Oceano and Pismo Beach’s sandy beach breaks offer a welcoming locale for new surfers looking to find their footing (the nearby Pismo Beach Pier provides a fun step up in skill level).

Morro Bay: At popular Morro Rock and Morro Strand State Beach, surfers of all abilities paddle in the shadow of Morro Bay’s iconic 500-foot tall volcanic plug (a sight to behold).

Cayucos: A little farther north in the laid-back surf town of Cayucos, the historic Cayucos Pier surf spot offers moderate waves perfect for beginner and intermediate paddlers.
 

Advanced

Cambria and San Simeon: Are you an advanced shredder? Challenge your skills with Shell Beach’s rocky reef break or brave the rugged coast of Cambria to the north. Pico Creek in San Simeon is a reliable (and beautiful) surf spot for accomplished surfers, albeit featuring chillier waters, so go prepared!
 

Photo credit: Acacia Productions

Sea, spray, and sun: Learning to surf in SLO CAL is a rewarding and thrilling experience, to be sure. That said, wiping out is all part of the fun! Local surf pros and tailored educational experiences can help you join the wave. Private and group classes are available, and various surf camps are designed to teach the fundamentals quickly.

Did you know it only takes about three lessons for most people to get the hang of surfing? That said, you can learn a lot in one day—or even one hour—of quality instruction. A lifelong pursuit, folks of all ages can attest to the magical benefits of chasing the surf from childhood and into their golden years.
 

Learn to Surf at Avila Beach

Avila Beach Surf School: Offering one-on-one lessons and up to ten-person groups, this mobile surfing school and rental resource is your one-stop shop. Plus, you can choose to join a multi-day summer camp to hone your skills further.

Van Curaza Surf School: Founded and run by local legendary waterman Van Curaza, VCSS offers popular summer surf camps plus private and group lessons designed to get you up to speed fast.
 

Learn to Surf at Pismo Beach

Sandbar Surf School: Offering everything you need to get out on the water, including private and group coaching with or without a way cool vintage Winnebago, these knowledgeable locals are here to instruct style.

Central Coast Surf School: This mobile surf school offers surf lessons, surf camps, rentals and more. With help from a pro, learn to surf the waves of Pismo Beach, Avila Beach or Morro Bay–your choice.

Esteem Surf Shop: Satisfy your rental needs at Esteem Surf Shop and sign up for hands-on help from local pros. With a bit of know-how, you'll be paddling out with confidence.

Pismo Beach Surf Academy: Sign up for private and group surf lessons at this Pismo Beach school. Along with lessons, they also offer rentals, apparel, surfboards and custom boards shaped by the owner.
 

Learn to Surf in Morro Bay

Morro Bay Surf School: This mobile surf school offers private and group lessons and educational summer camps. Paired with board and wetsuit rentals, you’ll be ready to hit Morro Rock in no time!

Cal Coast Adventures: With a shop on the Embarcadero, Cal Coast Adventures offers private and group surfing lessons in Morro Bay and Cayucos. They also provide a summer camp. And a bonus: Electric bike tours are available year-round! 
 

Learn to Surf in Cayucos

Good Clean Fun and Sport & Surf: Offering group surfing lessons for two or more people, try a one-hour class with gear included. Hooked? Keep your lesson equipment for two additional hours and solidify all you’ve learned.
 

Photo credit: Acacia Productions

Time to load up and head out! So you didn’t arrive in SLO CAL with a fully loaded woody. No worries. Renting your gear is as easy as throwing on a pair of flip-flops. With plenty of friendly purveyors to choose from, you need not stray far from the sand. While you're checking out the local surf shops, grab some serious SPF, surf wax, and a wetsuit, too.
 

Why a wetsuit?

SLO CAL seawater temperatures range seasonally from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but that’s nothing a good wetsuit can’t handle. Plus: epic views and great post-sesh culinary, craft beer and wine offerings provide a worthy reward.
 

How much do surf rentals cost?

The act of surfing is always free. That said, you’ll need some gear to make the most of your time on the water. While it depends on whether you want to rent your gear for a few hours, half a day, or a full day, Wetsuit rentals run approximately $20 daily, and board rentals (short, long, and boogie) cost roughly $25 a day. Inquire with local shopkeepers regarding additional gear, including SUP boards and accessories, kayaks, e-bikes, and more.

Pismo Beach surf shops

Known for classic California vibes, Pismo Beach surf shops are interspersed among mom-and-pop boutiques and family-friendly restaurants serving iconic clam chowder, barbecue and more. Find surf rentals, fashionable beach clothing, swimwear, souvenirs and more here:

• Pancho's Surf Shop
• Pismo Beach Surf Shop
• Pismo Beach Pedal Up Bikes & Boards
• Esteem Surf Shop
• Shell Beach Surf Shop

Morro Bay surf shops

Morro Bay’s friendly, hometown feel translates into a casual surf shop experience (no up-selling here). Whether you hit the bustling Embarcadero or wander off the beaten path, you’re sure to experience the feel-good nature of this celebrated surfing community. Hit these haunts for surf rentals, threads, locally branded accessories and more:

• Wavelengths Surf Shop in Morro Bay
• AZHIAZIAM Int. / Morro Rock Surf Shop
• Joe's Surfboard Shop
• Nautilus Surf Co.

Cayucos Surf Shops

Cayucos is known for its laid-back charm, historic pier and uncrowded beaches. While offering just a few surf shops to choose from, this coastal destination is all about offering, quality over quantity. Find excellent surf rentals, beach attire, keepsakes and more here:

• Cayucos Surf Company
• Good Clean Fun Surf & Sport

Understanding surf etiquette is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone in the water. 

• Always respect the lineup and wait your turn to catch a wave.

• Avoid dropping in on someone else’s wave, as this can be dangerous and is considered poor form.

• Communicate with fellow surfers to prevent collisions.

• Always prioritize the safety of others.

Remember, the ocean is a shared space, and courteous behavior helps maintain a positive vibe in the surfing community.
 

Swells are the lifeblood of surfing, determining the size and quality of the waves you ride. Generated by distant weather systems, swells travel across the ocean and transform into breaking waves when they reach the shore. 

Understanding swell direction, period, and height can help you choose the best times and spots to surf. In SLO CAL, swells generally come from the northwest in the winter and the southwest in the summer, offering diverse wave conditions year-round for surfers of all skill levels.