Surfing
If you’re a beginner, consider paddling in the waves off Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Tourmaline Surfing Park. Several outfitters offer year-round surf lessons as well as surf camp in the summer months and during spring break.
Menehune Surf School. This surf school provides surf lessons as well as paddleboard and surfboard rentals. Private or family lessons can be arranged (from $65 per person for one hour). Menehune Surf also offers popular surf camps for kids every summer from June through August at La Jolla Shores and Del Mar. La Jolla Shores Beach, La Jolla, California, 92037. 858/663–7299; www.menehunesurf.com. From $65.
San Diego Surfing Academy. One-on-one instruction is available with surf coach, Pat Weber, who is known throughout the community for his dedication to coaching top contenders in the World Adaptive Surfing Championships. Instructional videos are also available online. The academy, which has been running since 1995, is based near Oceanside Harbor and meets for lessons at the harbor parking lot 12 near the north jetty. Oceanside, California, 92054. 760/230–1474; www.sandiegosurfingacademy.com. Private half-day lesson $200.
Surf Diva Surf School. Check out clinics, surf camps, and private lessons especially formulated for girls and women. Most clinics and trips are for women only, but there are some coed options. Guys can also book group or private lessons from the nationally recognized staff. Surf Diva is also home to a boutique that sells surf and stand-up paddleboard equipment. They also offer surf retreats in Costa Rica. 2160 Ave. de la Playa, La Jolla, California, 92037. 858/454–8273; www.surfdiva.com. Group lessons $69; private lessons $95.
Surf Shops
Cheap Rentals . One block from the boardwalk, this place has good daily and weekly prices for surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear, skateboards, coolers, umbrellas, chairs, and bike rentals, including beach cruisers, tandems, hybrids, and two-wheeled baby carriers. Kids bikes are also available. Demand is high during the busy season (May through September) so call to reserve equipment ahead of time. 3689 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach, San Diego, California, 92108. 858/488–9070; www.cheap-rentals.com. Season passes $250, unlimited daytime pass $30, unlimited weekend pass $60.
Hansen's. A short walk from Swami's beach, Hansen's is one of San Diego's oldest and most popular surf shops. It has an extensive selection of boards, wet suits, and clothing for sale, and a rental department as well. 1105 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, California, 92024. 760/753–6595; www.hansensurf.com. $20/day.
