California Surfing Day is an annual event that celebrates the sport of surfing in California. It’s held every year on the 20th of September, and it brings together both new and experienced surfers to enjoy the waves at some of the best spots on the coast.
If you’re a surfer, or even if you’re not, it’s likely that you’ve heard of California Surfing Day. Every year on September 20th, surfers all over the world celebrate by hitting the waves together in their respective locales.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at all the activities and preparations that can make the day a memorable one for you.
The History of Surfing
Surfing is one of the oldest sports in the world. It’s believed to have originated at least 5,000 years ago on the beaches of Hawaii and Polynesia. Early surfers used long wooden boards called “papa he” that were carved from trees like balsa wood or koa wood. These boards were usually around 10 feet long and shaped like a diamond with a pointed nose and rounded tail end.
The word “surf” originally comes from the Hawaiian word for “to jump over” or “to run before,” which is how ancient Hawaiians thought of riding waves. However, surfing has evolved over such a long period of time that it has become more than a mere sport. It has spawned many artistic creations and has become a culture.
Why do people surf in California?
Surfing in California is a way of life. From the beaches of San Diego to the big waves of Santa Cruz, surfers flock to this state year-round to enjoy the warm weather and clear blue water. The mild climate allows residents and visitors alike to spend as much time outdoors as possible, so it’s no surprise that surfing has become a popular activity for Californians.
The surf season runs from November to March, with peak activity in January and February. In Southern California, you can find great waves all year long; however, the best waves tend to occur during “south swells” when winds blow from the south or southwest.
How can you find the best surfing spots?
The best surfing spots are those that offer a combination of ideal waves and safety. You want to find the best waves that you can handle, but it’s also important to assess the level of danger before you jump in. The beach is not always a safe place—especially when there are no lifeguards on duty.
The best way to learn about the waves is to talk with other surfers. They will be able to tell you where they go and what kind of conditions they expect each day.
If you’re new to the area, check out local surf shops and ask the staff where they like to go. They’ll usually give you a few options based on the type of wave and conditions you’re looking for. If you don’t have any luck there, try asking other surfers or people at the beach where they go when they want some waves.
You can also check out websites like Surfline, which provide real-time information about the waves and surf conditions at different beaches around California. If you’re new to surfing, it’s important to learn some basic techniques before hitting the water.
How can you learn to surf in California?
Surf schools are a great way to learn how to surf. They’ll provide you with all the equipment you need and will teach you the skills you need to know before hitting the waves on your own. Most schools offer classes for beginners as well as advanced surfers, so there’s something for everyone. The best part is that many of these lessons take place right on the beach so you can practice right after class ends!
Surf lessons are another great way to learn the basics. Most surf shops offer private and group lessons, as well as board rentals and other gear if you need it. Some beaches have free beginner classes during the summer months that you can take advantage of before heading out on your own. If you’re interested in learning more about surfing culture, check out some books on the subject or watch some movies like Endless Summer 2 or Soul Surfer.
Best Beaches in California
California has a lot of beaches to choose from, but these are some of the best:
Laguna Beach
This beach is located in Orange County and is one of the most popular beaches in California. It’s located about an hour from Los Angeles, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing beach day with lots of amenities nearby.
Located just north of Huntington Beach, Laguna is most famous for its art galleries and restaurants. The sand here is golden and soft, making it a great place to lay out under an umbrella with some friends. You can also rent paddle boards or kayaks if you want to explore the lagoon or get some exercise while enjoying the scenery.
La Jolla
This beach is located in San Diego, California, and is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy some good surfing. The water here is cold, but the waves are perfect for beginning surfers. It’s also a great place for people who like snorkeling or scuba diving because there are lots of fish in this area thanks to the kelp beds off the coast.
Malibu
This beach is located in Los Angeles, California, and is one of the most famous beaches in the state. It’s a great place to go swimming because the water here is warm and clear, making it perfect for families with young children or people who don’t like cold water. You can also go surfing or body boarding at this beach if you want to be active while enjoying nature.
Pfeiffer Beach
This beach is located in Big Sur, California. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and a popular tourist destination for people who like camping or hiking. The water here is cold, but it’s not too cold because there are usually warm currents that make swimming fun.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay Beach is one of the most popular spots in town, with a long stretch of sand backed by cliffs and a sandy cove. The area is well-known for its surfing, although the waves here are not much bigger than those at other beaches in the area. The water is also shallow, so swimmers can easily walk out into the ocean.
The beach is open to swimmers year-round, but it gets busy in summer due to its popularity with surfers and sunbathers. The parking lot fills up quickly on weekends, but there are plenty of spaces available if you arrive early or plan ahead.
Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles. It's known for its beautiful sandy beaches and boardwalk, great restaurants, entertainment, and many other activities.
It is also famous for its pier and pier restaurant which has been around since 1910. The pier is just a short walk from the beach with views of the Pacific Ocean. You can rent paddle boards or kayaks to explore the bay and see what lies beyond the horizon.
There are plenty of shops and restaurants on Hermosa Beach Boulevard such as Starbucks, Carl's Jr., Taco Bell, Dunkin' Donuts, and more! If you're looking for something different than your average beach trip, this is it!
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is a town on the Central Coast of California. It is known for its beautiful coastline, which stretches for miles. Pismo Beach has some of the best beaches in all of California. The town itself has several parks and recreational areas where you can enjoy the ocean or go hiking.
Monterey
Monterey Beach is a great place to go and relax, with many things to do. There are many great beaches and activities in Monterey Beach.
If you love the ocean, then this is the place for you. The beach is always beautiful with the waves crashing down on it. All around the area, there are many different types of activities that you can do while you are at Monterey Beach.
Carpinteria
Carpinteria Beach is a beautiful beach that’s ideal for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. It’s located on the south coast of Santa Barbara County, which is one of the most popular areas in California to visit.
Carpinteria Beach is known for its white sand and clear waters. Because of its easy access and good swimming conditions, it's a favorite among visitors from all over the world. At any given time, at least 1 million people are visiting this beach each year!
East Beach
East Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area. It has a wide, sandy beach and a small park that offers shade and picnic tables. The beach is particularly busy during weekends and holidays, but there are also quieter days when you can enjoy the sea views across to Montego Bay and Negril.
The main attractions at East Beach are the surf breaks, which offer excellent surfing conditions year-round. There's also a natural pool where you can swim or snorkel.
East Beach is very popular with locals but you don't have to be living here to appreciate its beauty. The area also has some good restaurants and hotels, so if you're staying in Grand Anse then this is worth checking out!
What do you need to bring?
Sunscreen and a hat are essential, as the sun can be very strong here. You'll also need plenty of drinking water and maybe some snacks to keep your energy levels up! It's also worth bringing some cash with you as there aren't any ATMs
It's best to bring a tirrinia surf poncho, surf poncho changing towel robe, and a hooded poncho towel for beach. They are made of thick microfiber, super absorbent changing towel can dry your wet body and hair quickly after surfing or swimming. And when you are tired of surfing and need to rest on the beach, a waterproof blanket is also very necessary.
California Surfing Day is a must-visit event for any surfers looking to have some fun in the sun. It's a great chance to meet like-minded people, enjoy an amazing atmosphere, and have an unforgettable time!
If you want to experience the thrill of surfing in California, this is the best time to visit. Just make sure you come prepared with plenty of sunscreens, a hat, and plenty of water!
