Page 31 - California Diving and Surfing

Migrating Gray Whale - JJ? 56 Franko's Map of

photo by Yvette Marcum

BLACK'S: By far the best beachbreak in San Diego County, maybe even all of Southern California. Black’s Beach 5
Luck into Black's during a solid W or NW swell with offshore winds and you'll swear you're surfing
a coldwater Indonesia. A deepwater canyon attracts and magnifies waves into their true potential. Torrey Valley Rd. Bl.
02468 Pines Sorrento SAN DIEGO SURFINGValley
Black's consists of a variety of peaks which offer both high performance surfing and run-for-your- Golf Torrey Pines Rd.
life conditions. The fact that it requires a time commitment with an exhausting hike down the University of Miles Course
California at Sorrento
cliff keeps the militant crowds down… a little. Best Season: Winter/Swell Direction: W, NW, SW/ 0246 8 Mira
Size: 2'-12'/Tide: Low - Medium/Wind: E/Bottom: Sand/Rating: Advanced/Daily Surf Report San Diego
Canyon (UCSD) Kilometers Bl.
UCSD Mesa
LA JOLLA SHORES/SCRIPPS: User-friendliness is the key to Scripps' popularity. Scripps' Scripps Parking SCALE
prime location makes it a favorite among surfers of all ability levels. The wave itself is your ScriPpopolssTide
basic, beachbreak mix; but, when the factors come together it can get surprisingly good.
Drag your feet when wading in as more than one stingray lurks beneath. Lots of bodyboards
in the parking lot area, and many of them are tourists on the crowded beach all summer/Best La Jolla Canyon
Season: Fall, Winter/Swell Direction: W, NW/Size: 2'-6'/Tide: Medium/Wind: E, SE/ Way AVERAGE WATER 600’
Bottom: Sand/Rating: Intermediate/Daily Surf Report/Webcam Exposition La Jolla TEMPERATURES See La Jolla Area Surfing 300’ La Jolla Village Dr. Genesee
San Diego Marine Life Refuge Scripps AT SCRIPPS PIER PLianeJsollDra.RSdh.ores Printed on Durable, Waterproof Synthetic Paper
Institution Athletic
La Jolla Cove is the "Sleeping Giant" San Diego - La Jolla Ecological Reserve Marine invertebrates and plants SCRIPPS Park January 58 Nobel Dr.
of San Diego Surfing No animal or plant life, geological formations 250’ Scripps Pier of February 57 Governor Dr.
120’ Oceanography March 58
90’ April 60 Clairemont
60’ May 63
or artifacts may be disturbed or taken. protected to 1000’ offshore. Aquarium June 65 Ave. SIDE 1
Birch Parking July 66 South S.D. County
LA JOLLA COVE: The sleeping giant. La Jolla Cove only breaks Aquarium August 68 120’ Point La Jolla Torrey with La Jolla Details
a handful of times each year, but when it does it is a sight to at Scripps September 66 60’
behold. Monstrous winter swells emerge from deep water and 30’ October 65 Prospe3c0t’ St.
descend unmercifully along the jagged reef. At the proper size La Jolla Canyon 18’ 6’ La Jolla Shores Dr. SIDE 2
12’ Grande Northern S.D. County
with Trestles Details
it becomes a long, lined up left with a big wave board being LA JOLLA SHORES LA JOLLA
absolutely necessary. Unless you are comfortable in big waves,
leave this behemoth alone. Best Season: Winter/Swell Direction: Paseo
W, NW/Size: 10'+/Tide: Low/Wind: E/Bottom: Rock/Rating: ShorLeas JBoellaach Nautilus St. Soledad Mesa Bl.
Expert. La Jolla Bay JutlaDnrd.
Beach November 62 La Jolla Bl. Cardeno Dr. 805
San Diego - La Jolla Underwater Park Parking December 59 Balboa Ave.
024 Kellogg
Mary’s Comfort Station Park Cliffridge Mtn. 5 Clairemont Genesee Ave. Montgomery Rd.
Miles Park

La Jolla Cove Park PACIFIC BEACH: Scattered beachbreak waves Mt.Arcadia Bl. Field 15 Gorge
surrounding Crystal Pier, similar to Mission Beach.
024 Vallecitos Rating: Intermediate/Daily Surf Report/Webcam. Rd. Aero Dr.
Kilometers La JollaAvenida De La Playa MISSION BEACH: One of the most consistent spots in San Diego.
St. Garibaldi Beach and Mission Beach is a constantly evolving mix of sand, swell, tides, and PACIFIC Dr. Mission Navajo Rd.
SCALE La JoGlloladCfiasvhesPoint Tennis Club wind which can yield incredible waves when it all comes together. GrBaEnAd CAHve. Morena
Leopard Rd. Mission
Shark Hidden

HOSPITALS: A right point break that comes to life in winter Point La Jolla Rd. Av. De La Plata The SOUTH MISSION JETTY is known for a predictable left Crystal PierMission Bl. Crown Bl. Village
W and NW swells. Rating: Advanced. Boomer Beach with adequate shape and a steep wall. This wave is crowded during Old Mission Beach Point Dr.
even the slightest hint of swell. Overall, your best bet for surfing Mission Beach Park
Ellen Scripps Park in Mission Beach is to search around for a spot that seems to have Mission Bay BAY PARK Rd.
MissionRdC.enter
HORSESHOES: A genetic wave mutation located just La Rocky Point Cliffs Pines UPC
north of Marine Street. Waves here wrap considerably
around a horseshoe-shaped reef, hence the name. The Jolla Children’s Pool Beach Bl. Vly (Atord5atFhwRy)d. an established sandbar or maybe even a good reform. Plenty of MISSION For Details, see Vista 8
Seal Rock Capri public parking means big crowds in the summer. Best Season: Fall, BEACH Franko's Map of Adams Ave.
South Casa Beach Spring/Swell Direction: W, NW, SW/Size: 2'-6'/Tide: Medium/ of Mission Bay Linda
lefts have the tendency to be extremely hollow and shallow. Pt. Mencinger Wind: E/Bottom: Sand/Daily Surf Report. Mission Beach Park Rd.
The rights can turn on themselves but most people stick Wipeout Beach Sea
to the lefts. Be careful out there, the drop, the ride, and Kelp Girard Ave. World Friars 8 19420 00183 8

the exit can be tricky. Advanced. Bed Hospital Point Coast Torrey OCEAN BEACH: Ocean Beach consists of three distinct areas to surf: San Diego River 4th Ave. El Cajon Bl. College Ave.
St. BIG JETTY: A hollow right breaking off the southern jetty of Mission Park Bl. University Ave. 54th St.
Prospect Via Bay. Depending on the swell and tide it can transform into a rippable right- Dog Texas St.
Beach 30th St. Euclid Ave.
Ocean Beach Park Fairmont Ave.
MARINE STREET/YAKS: Bodyboard Central. A hideous HOSPITALS LA JOLLA Sunset Cliffs Bl. Washington St.
shorebreak teeming with bodyboarders and bodysurfers
looking for punishment. Dangerous rip-currents and Whispering hander allowing for multiple maneuvers. The only drawback here is a Nimitz Bl. OLD TOWN Boundary
conditions abound. Advanced. Sands Beach tight take-off zone and sewage spills from the San Diego River.
Pearl AVALANCHE: A consistent left that breaks in front of a small jetty. Pescadero Beach Rosecrans St. 163
ROCKPILE: On the biggest swells Rockpile emerges from Works best on west swells but can handle almost any swell direction. Osprey Point OCEAN San Diego San
the depths as a Sunset-style wave with a horrific shorepound. Horseshoe BEACH International Diego St. I ISSBBNN 11--6600119900--118833--66
Make sure if you surf here you've got a big board and the Reef Zoo 30th
ability to paddle fast. Expert only. Marine St. Catalina Bl. Airport Dr.
La Jolla Harbor Laurel St. Balboa
Country Club Park
Harbor Island SAN DIEGO
OCEAN BEACH PIER: Mediocre peaks scattered on both sides of the pier. Sunset SaNnoDrtiehgoMarCitrimuieseMSuhsiepusm Ash St. St.
Works best on a lower to medium tide and no wind. On the north side of Cliffs
SIMMON'S REEF: Windansea's big brother. During Marine St. Beach the pier during a solid W, NW swell a workable right will peel into the pier. Park Shelter I. Bay Broadway Pier Broadway 94
extremely large W and NW swells Simmon's turns on Little Point Best Season: Fall, Winter/Swell Direction: W, NW/Size: 3'-6'/Tide: Navy Pier 9 781601 901835
seemingly out of nowhere. Only breaks when the swell Low-Medium/Wind: E/ Bottom: Sand/Rating: Intermediate/Daily Surf Report. FGoartte Market St.
is huge. Expert. NAZARENE COLLEGE: Located at end of Sunset Cliffs Dr. via steep trail Rosecrans Seaport
down to shore. Beach appears only at low tide. Lefts and rights dampened by Military Res. Village
kelp beds offshore. Rating: Advanced.
Point Convention
Loma Center
La Jolla La Jolla Nautilus St. Dr. North FerryOrange Ave. Imperial 15 Ave. Imperial Ave.
High Middle BCroirdogneado Ocean View Bl. Skyline Dr.
School School 28th St.

WINDANSEA: Located ¼ mile north of Big Rock, Windansea Windansea Nautilus St. Scenic U.S. Naval National Ave. Logan Ave.
is a safe alternative to its neighbor's death-defying barrels. Beach Park Air Station Woodman St.
Windansea breaks best on a low to medium tide and no wind. NatHioingahllaCnidtyABvel..
A predictable left and right peak that breaks further out La Jolla SUNSET CLIFFS: Sunset Cliffs mainly produces waves during the fall and winter Navy Island CORONADO
as the swell increases. Windansea is a moody wave often Strand Park when NW ground swells erupt over its various reefs. Find the right reef at a Undersea U.S. HarboUr.MDSar.i.n St. Divi8sitohnPlSaSzt.at.
overrun with locals. Best Season: All Year/Swell Direction: LA JOLLA low-medium tide and chances are you'll score some surprisingly powerful waves doing R and D Naval Naval
W, NW, SW/Size: 3'-8'/Tide: Low - Medium/Wind: E/Bottom: MESA their impersonation of a point. A thick kelp bed outside makes it the ideal place Center
Rock, Sand/Rating: Advanced/Daily Surf Report. Palomar Ave. Rd. Jolla to surf when other beaches are blown to shreds. Best Season: Fall, Winter/Swell Fort Zuniga Amphib. Batallion Bl.
Direction: W, NW/Size: 4'-8'/Tide: Low-Medium/Wind: E/Bottom: Rock/ Rosecrans Base 16th
Rating: Advanced/Daily Surf Report. Military Res. Point St.
75
BIG ROCK: A fierce, grinding left-hand reef with wide-open Hermosa Mesa GARBAGE BEACH: Located just before Navy Base Gate. NORTH GARBAGE is Cabrillo Nat'l San Diego Bay
barrels. Pound for pound, Big Rock is one of the heaviest waves Terrace Park entered via broken steps. It's split peaks are best for rights. Handles knee-high Monument
in California. An aggressive crowd, ridiculously small take-off to double-overhead. SOUTH GARBAGE has a dangerous entry at high tide, but Strand
zone and treacherous reef below make Big Rock a force to be Jolla Lighthouse NATIONAL
reckoned with. Surf only at a medium to high tide unless you like La Silver CITY
tearing your skegs off. Best Season: Winter/Swell Direction: Point Loma RALPH'S 54
W, NW, SW/Size: 3'-8'/Tide: Medium - High Only/Wind: E/
Bottom: Rock, Sand/Rating: Expert. handles all westerlies to 12'+. Advanced. 805

NORTH BIRD ROCK: Located straight out from Bird Rock Ave, La POINT LOMA: Home to numerous breaks and reefs, this unique area is occupied by a EFHGSStSSt.tt... 2nd1sHAtivlAletv.oep.
North Bird Rock is a fickle reef that only breaks in the biggest multitude of finicky waves. During large swells Point Loma can turn on in the blink of
swells. More of a novelty wave than anything else, take out a La Jolla Hermosa Park Birdrock Ave. an eye. The real challenge is traversing the cliffs and steep terrain to get down to Bay Bl. Broadway Dr.J St. L St.
larger board and practice your cutbacks. Entry and exit from Bird Rock the beach. Be prepared, long, arduous paddle-outs are the norm. Some of the best 3rd
the water can be hazardous, use caution. Rating: Advanced. spots here such as RALPH'S, are only available with boat access. Intermediate. 4th
Bl.
CORONADO ISLAND: Very fickle beachbreak. Large, hurricane-driven swells AAvvee..
SOUTH BIRD ROCK: Just south of Bird Rock Ave., this is the first La produce a rare left off the point. It's a right place at the right time type of wave. Naples St.
recognized reef break in the La Jolla area. Works well in a variety of Rating: Intermediate
swell directions. It's primarily a long, right-point style wave with a CALUMET Midway St. SILVER STRAND STATE BEACH: Summer and Fall peaks come to life over sandbars when CHULA PalomOarranSgte.
shorter but equally entertaining left. Entry and exit from the water the S and SW swells kick up, otherwise it takes a direct W hit to produce the possibility of a VISTA
can be hazardous, use caution. Rating: Advanced. Jolla nice A-frame. Almost guaranteed to be uncrowded over this extremely long stretch of beach.
Rating: Intermediate. Ave.
SEWER LINE: Access from Calumet Beach Park. Lines up with old sewer pipe. Calumet Beach Park Sun Gold Foothill IMPERIAL BEACH: Imperial Beach is the uncrowded alternative to other spots throughout U.S. Naval
Lefts and rights in N, NW and W swells. Best at 4' - 6'. Rating: Intermediate Point Turquoise St. San Diego County. Sporadic sandbars transform this stretch of coast into hollow, A-Frame Communications 5 Main St.
AVE. Tourmaline Tourmaline St. peaks in the right conditions. It can handle any direction of swell but really shines during a
CINDY'S: Access from Calumet Beach Park. Inconsistent right, best Surfing solid, SW groundswell. Best Season: Summer/Swell Direction: SWSize: 4'-6'/Tide: Medium/ Station
at 3' - 5'. Mushy, but gets good on W swell. Left closes out. Park Loring St. Wind: E/Bottom: Sand/Rating: Intermediate/Daily Surf Report.
Bl. Ingraham St. 75 Palm Ave. Beyer Bl.
HANNAMONDS (ROCKPILE): Access from Calumet Beach Park. Long Bl.
left inside bowl. Shifty peak at 4' - 6' on W and NW swell. Intermediate. Fanuel St. Imperial Beach Bl.

HAIRMOS: Access from Tourmaline Surfing Park. Double left peak Mission Bl. Del Sol Bl.
just North of PB Point. Zipper inside left. Intermediate plus.
Beryl St. Hollister St.
PB POINT (PACIFIC BEACH POINT): Access from Tourmaline Surfing Park Palisades Imperial Beach 905
or beach access steps. Long, clean right is crowded with longboarders. Intermediate. Park PACIFIC BEACH N.A.S.

TOURMALINE: An assortment of soft beachbreak waves coupled with a mellow PACIFIC BEACH Diamond St.
right-hand point. In general the waves here are perfect for beginners and are often
clogged with longboards. Border

Field
Oneaonta Lagoon State
Park
TIJUANA SLOUGHS: Located right above
the border, this board-snapping beachbreak
has unlimited potential for satisfying surf,
website: www.frankosmaps.com but the bacteria-infested water keeps most
people away. Rating: Advanced. MEXICO

Printed in U.S.A. Dawn Patrol on a Summer South Swell