hey, I am going to be in San Francisco this weekend and two people have told me it is going to be macking OB and that the winds might make it too chaotic, anyone have expierence with the other breaks around the area?
The source of the macking as not actually happened yet but it is on the models. Where you surf depends somewhat on what kind of surfing you do. Heading South from SF there is Lindamar, a few places around Half Moon Bay and then further down is Santa Cruz. I strongly suggest Santa Cruz. It faces south so it is protected from the typical NW wind. The large NW swells like the one predicted for this weekend wrap in nicely. There are tons of spots. The best known are the Steamer lane area and the Pleasure Point area. Steamers has short boarding at the Point (right at the lighthouse), big waves off the point at middle peak, even Cowells which is normally a beginner spot gets fun (like almost head high and super long rides) when big NW’s roll in. On the other side of SC (East Side) the whole Pleasure Point area is even more protected from wind, somewhat smaller, and a variety of breaks for short and long boards. Just go either direction from 41st Ave and pick your action.
I a friend of a friend might be able to give me and my friend I am staying with a ride there, however, due to the lack of car, i was hoping more along the lines of spots in the bay area and maybe a local to go with so my ass does not get kicked for merely being present. don’t worry I am not bringing a camera and have no plans of revealing breaks.
find a way to get down to SC. You will be glad you did. You can always try Ocean Beach as it is right there in SF. But it is a long stretch of beach break with nowhere in particular to get out and is not my idea of surfing espeically on a big NW. I would not worry much about any localism at OB. Even in SC it is not bad except in a couple of the shortboard spots like right at the Point at Steamers.
The (projected) swell is 24’ @ 15 seconds which is pretty serious, 3rd sandbar OB. Triple O faces, 9’+ guns, and 45 minute paddle-outs, if you make it out at all.
Of course, it may not show. This time of year, winds can come up and defeat swells before they even have a chance.
Supposed to be south wind, especially strong on Thurs, which could blow it all back and nothing south of Pt. Reyes will see it at all.
But if Saturday sees the winds die and the swell build, look for any little southwest facing cove that will catch the swell wrapping in at an angle. There are several around the city - cab ride distance if you have a couple bucks - if you take a good look at a map. Hints fit for public consumption would include gray whales, 1800’s Coast Guard stations, and the biggest birds of prey. Good luck and be safe.
SC will be CROWDED even for SC, and IMO Linda Mush sucks. your much better off checking out fort point or dead mans- both are sheltered left points which will be completely safe from the forecasted south winds. there is also sharp park, rockaway and the jetty further south.
OB will be going off too (if the swell materializes) so check out kelly’s for your best shot at making it outside. and bring a big board.
as with locals at any spot; show respect, get respect.
there are lots of good waves around, have fun
If its blown out, or you just want to explore, check out the Water Planet exhibition at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Its all brand-spanking new- installation was completed over the last few weeks (I worked on the project, and was pleased to see how it all came together).
that will be a cool thing to do, how much does it cost?
Quote:
that will be a cool thing to do, how much does it cost?
If you have to ask…
Sorry… I actually don’t know what the admission price is! Seriously, though, the CAS is probably more of at least a half-day-take-the-kids-then-picnic-in-the-park thing. There’s a lot going on, there.
Whatever you wind up doing, its usually a nice time of year in SF.
the swell is startin to hit i think- today OB was 6’-8’ a bit bigger on the sets. it took me half hour to paddle out and then was all over the beach with the current. definitely gunna want a bigger board if you plan on surfin OB this weekend.
i dont think that the academy of science is that much, $15 maybe- worth checkin out for sure, there is lots more to do in the park in that area as well
Hey Riderofwaves,
If you’re not up for playing hide-and-seek with winds and swell, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival is in Golden Gate Park Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Lineups include everything from traditional bluegrass (Earl Scruggs, Del McCoury) to more unconventional interpretations of the genre (Iron & Wine, Waco Brothers, Robert Plant). Doesn’t get any better than an October afternoon in GG Park…
Oh, and it’s free.
Jamie
there is also oktoberfest and lovefest this weekend as well- always plenty to do round here