Page 38 - California Diving and Surfing
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COTTONS Located just north of the Trestles beach trail.         APrvReeRs.TeDrdaeecknl ste                       Orange/San Diego                                                                 AVERAGE        CrRisd.tianitos                                                                                                                                                                                 Photo by Gia Danson
During S and SW swells at head high+, Cottons is one of the                                 El Camino Real County Line
best kept secrets on the coast. It used to be popular with                                                                                                                                        NORTH COUNTY                           Basilone Rd.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Franko's Map of
the big name surfers in the 60's. Cottons' left point break
and long left walls are great for longboards, but usually go                                             Christianitos Rd.                   Marine Corps Base Camp                               WATER TEMPS    5                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                SAN DIEGO SURFING
unmolested. Summer sea breezes can blow Cottons out, so it
should be ridden in the morning. The bottom is sand and rock.                               Trestles State Beach Parking Joseph H. Pendleton                                                      January 58
Best season is Summer, with S & SW swells at 5’-8’ on a medium
tide. An east wind makes conditions even better.                                                                                                                                                  February 57

                                                                           OBlidke10Pa1th   Paved Trail to Trestles State Beach                                                                   March      59                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Mission
                                                                                                                                                                                                  April      60

UPPER TRESTLES Uppers is a rock reef with three take-offs.                                                                                                                                        May        63                          Old Highway 101
Most surfers like the long right off the point, but there are still                                                                                                                               June       66
two other peaks that hold their own even when it's small. Before                                      5       San Mateo                                                                           July       67                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Rd.                     Rd.
paddling out, weigh the options - you won't be disappointed. Heavy                                              Canyon Basilone Rd.                                                               August     70
crowds, but they're peaceful. Best in summer S and SW swells at                             RR Trestles                                     Camp Pendleton Beach Resort                           September  68                                                                                                                                                                                                  Ammunition
3’-6’ size and medium tide. Rock and sand bottom. Intermediate                                                                              Valid Military ID required for                        October    65
to expert.                                                                                                                                  camping at this bodyboarding                          November   63
                                                                                                                                            beach right next to San Onofre                        December   60
                                                                                                                                            State Beach parking.                                                                                                                          Las Pulgas                                      Basilone
LOWER TRESTLES Lowers is one of the most high-performance waves                                                  RR Trestles Old              San Onofre State Park Entry                      CAMP PENDLETON: Unless you have a valid military I.D. you won't                                        Rd.
in the world. Trestles lives up to the hype. Solid S and SW groundswells                                                                      Pay $10 here to enter and park                   be able to access this 15-mile stretch of pristine coastline. Marines
transform the rock strewn point into every surfer's dream wave, with                                                                 Hwy.along beach.                                          routinely practice exercises and procedures on the beaches and in the
100-yard rights shooting down the line begging for punishment. Even                                                                                                                            water here. Increased security measures equate to zero possibility
when the swell isn't raging Lowers still offers lengthy rights and punchy                                                                                                                      for access.                                                                                                                                Rd.                                                                                                                   Olive                   Printed on Durable, Waterproof Synthetic Paper
lefts, suited for multiple tail-sliding hits off the top. If you’re comfortable
surfing in a crowd, and don't mind the long walk to the beach, this is the                                                                                                                       DEL MAR JETTY (DMJ's): Military access only. DMJ's, as it's more                                                                                                                                                                                                                            SIDE 1
place. Best in Summer in S & SW swells 2’ to double-overhead high, medium                                                                                                                        commonly known, is a thumping beachbreak located directly north of Oceanside                                                                                                                                                                                                                   South S.D. County
tide, with east wind. Intermediate to expert.                                                                                                                                                    Harbor's north jetty. A S/SW swell magnet, DMJ's can groom large swells and                                                                                                                                                                                                                   with La Jolla Details
CHURCH (CHURCHES) Long sloping right point broken into several                                                                                                                                   early morning conditions into some of the most powerful barrels along the coast.
                                                                                                              12'18'              StSaatne   101           San                                   Tight security at Camp Pendleton means less surfers in the water. If you can                                 Camp Pendleton                                                                                                                                                      Rd. SIDE 2
                                                                                            30'                                                          Onofre                                  get in you're stoked. Advanced.                                                                            Marine Corps Base                                                                                                                                                                                          Northern S.D. County
                                                                                                                 THE  POINT                 OBenaocfhre  Nuclear                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Douglas                                                                         Hill                                            with Trestles Details
                                           60'                                                                         OLD MAN'S                          Power                                                                                                                                                                     Bl.                                                                              Sleeping Indian Rd.
                                                                                                                                                          Plant                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Vandegrift Bl.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Stuart
take-offs. Rare giant NW swells can connect the sections for an amazing,                                                    DOG PATCH
long ride. Church is loaded with zealous   longboarders, but the atmosphere
is very friendly.                                                                                                                                                   SStaanteOPnaorfkre                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Lilac
                                           MIDDLES Uncrowded longboarder rights, plus                                                                    SIRENS                                                                                                                                                               Vandegrift                                                                                                                                     Ave.
        Trains roar over the trestles at   some left waves. This break likes W swells best.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Old River
      70 mph - this is why surfers should                                                                                                    NUKES                                                                                                                                                    Mesa
                                           CAMP PENDLETON BEACH RESORT Bodyboarding or swimming only.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Rd.
          STAY OFF THE TRESTLES!           Tons of military personnel and their families camp and play here.                                                                                   OCEANSIDE consists of four main sections:
                                                                                                                                                                                               OCEANSIDE HARBOR: Consistent beachbreak waves in between two jetties.                                                                                                                                                         River               Rd.                                                                                                                                                             Rd.
                                           SAN ONOFRE Lots of Orange County surfers go here, but it is actually in San Diego                                                                   Easy access and above average wave quality makes it a popular choice among surfers                                                                                                                                                            Mission
when going to and from the beach           County. Great camping and hang out spot for wave-hungry travelers. San Onofre offers                                                                from the south. Good all year round. Best Season: All Year/Direction: All Directions/                        Rd.                                                                              Dr.                                                                                 Gopher
                                                                                                                                                         TRAILS                                Size 2'-8'/Tide: Medium/Wind: E/Bottom: Sand/Rating: Intermediate/Daily Surf                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Canyon           Rd.
                                           THE POINT, OLD MAN'S, DOG PATCH, NUKES, SIRENS and TRAILS. The Point is                                                                             Report/Webcam                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Osborne
                                           a good right break, popular with the older guys. Old Man's is a longboarder spot, which                                                             OCEANSIDE PIER: Hollow, beachbreak waves heavily dependent on wind and tide.                                                                                                                                                                                               St.                                                                               Old Castle                                         Rd.
                                           breaks way out and then reforms to break again inside. Dog Patch is just S of Old Man's                                                             Breaks best on a solid southwest swell.                                                                                                                                                                                                  Santa Fe
                                           and is mushy beginner surf. This entire north end of San Onofre State Beach is the                                                                  OCEANSIDE BOULEVARD: Hollow beachbreak with semi-consistent sandbar formations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Champagne                                                  PLkiwncyo.ln Ave.
                                           perfect surfers paradise to bring a cooler and your family, along with your longboard,                                                              Attracts swell from a variety of directions and produces some of the best waves in                                                                                                                                                                                                Vista Wy.                                                                                                                     ESCONDIDO
                                           of course, and just relax. However, it is always crowded, so don’t expect to surf alone.                                                            Northern San Diego County. Intermediate plus.                                                                                                                                           Ave.       76             Dr.                                              Ave.                                            Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
                                                                                                                                                                                               OCEANSIDE STREET BEACHES: Variety of beachbreaks in shifting sandbars. Lots of                                                                                                                                                                                 Melrose Dr.                                                                                                                                        Pkwy.
                                           Nukes is a break over the ocean water coolant pipes to the nuclear power plant. Sirens                                                              surfers and bodyboarders find excellent waves marching in from the S, SW and the W.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Meadow
                                           is just S of Nukes and offers fun peaks and clean sections. Trails is a less accessible                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Bobier Dr.                                                                                                                                      Rd.
                                           break, but fun peaks and clean sections at low tide make it worth going for.                                                                                                                                                                                         Camp Pendleton            MHiswsiyon. 76  El Camino                             Mesa
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Boat Basin                                                         Oceanside Bl.    College Bl.                                                                                                                                         15
                                           0 SCALE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Oceanside
                                                                     1                                   Trestles and San Onofre Detail                                                                                                                                                                               Harbor                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Bl.
Photo by Franko                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Mtn.
                                           STATUTE MILES                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Oceanside
                                                                                                                                                                                               CARLSBAD STREET BEACHES: Uncrowded is the word, but keep it a secret. This is                                    Pier                                                                                                                    VISTA 78 Santa                                                                                      Deer Springs
                                                                                                                                                                                               where to go when your favorite spot its too crowded, but it blows out in the p.m.                                                          OCEANSIDE                                                                                                                                                                                                Rd.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Real                                                                                                                                Buena Creek
                                                                                                                                                                                               CARLSBAD OFFSHORE BEACH: Climb down the bluff at the parking lot south of Elm                                                  COoCcaietsayntBsieHdaewchy. CarlsbaCdaSrltsabtaedBeaBclh.                                                 Sunset Dr.                                         Fe   Ave.                                  Rd.
                                                                                                                                                                                               Ave. for a shifting sandbar multibreak that is seldom crowded.
                                                                                                                                                                                               FRAZEE BEACH: A handy walking path leads to this boadyboarding family fun center.                                                          BuLeanCgaaorVolsinsbtaCadARVLiSllaBgAeD Dr.                            Lake Bl.                                       Melrose Dr.                                                           Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
                                                                                                                                                                                               TAMARACK AVE: The first real break in San Diego County that prefers a south swell,
                                                                                                                                                                                               Tamarack Ave is a rapidly changing mix of sandbars and peaks. If the swell is under six                                                                                                              El                                                                                     Ave.                                                            Borden Rd. El                 Norte         Broadway
                                                                                                                                                                                               feet Tamarack can be a good option, especially with a medium tide and zero wind. Int.                                                                                                   Agua Hedionda                                                                                                                                                              Mission                 Rd.   Centre City
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Camino      Real                                            Sycamore
                                                                                                                                                                                               WARM WATER JETTY: Located in Carlsbad State Beach in front of the huge Encina                                                                                                                Lagoon                                                                                                                                                        Barham Dr.
                                                                                                                                                                                               power plant, it has scattered beachbreaks with shifting sandbars. Intermediate.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Rd.San Marcos Bl.
                                                                                                                                                                                               PONTO: An occasional good beachbreak breaking next to a set of jetties. It is located where                                                                                                                                                                                                        SAN MARCOS
                                                                                                                                                                                               Batiquitos Lagoon meets the ocean. Intermediate.                                                                                                                                                                              Airport                            Rd.
                                                                                                                                                                                               GRANDVIEW (LEUCADIA STATE BEACH): Constantly changing mixtures of rock and sand
                                                                                                                                                                                               are the ingredients to surfing in Leucadia. The most recognized spot is BEACONS offering                                                                                                      Palomar                                                                                       Fe                                                                                                                  EscondPikdwoyB. l.
                                                                                                                                                                                               two main peaks and a rare, "aloha" atmosphere. Leucadia is far north enough to be exposed to
                                                                                                                                                                                               all swell directions but like most other spots in San Diego County a northwest hits here better.                                                                               Aviara                                                                                                Santa                                                                               Rd.
                                                                                                                                                                                               Offshore kelp beds help keep it glassy long after other spots are blown out. Best Season:                                                                  SSouttahteCBarelascbhad                                                                                                                                                                                                 Valley
                                                                                                                                                                                               Winter/Direction: W, NW/Size 2'-8'/Tide: Low - Med./Wind: E/Bottom: Reef, Sand/Intermediate.

                                                                                                                                                                                               ENCINITAS BEACH: Located at the County Park. This is a shifty beachbreak, with rights and                                                                                                                         Pkwy.                                        Alga Rd.                     San
                                                                                                                                                                                               lefts, but it has a reef style. Intermediate.

                                                                                                                                                                                               MOONLIGHT STATE BEACH: Moonlight features more hanging out and partying than surf.                                                                                                                 5 Bateguitas Lagoon                                                             Rancho         Elijo  Rd.    Questhaven                                          Grove            Dios
                                                                                                                                                                                               It is a typical sandy beach break. Intermediate.                                                                                                                                                         La Costa Ave.                                                                                   Elfin                                             Harmony                      Hwy.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  D STREET: A wave magnet. Rippable beachbreak with occasional sections to bash. Intermediate.                                                                                                                               El Camino Real                                                                                                                                                Via
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Leucadia Beach Moonlight Beach San ElCijooaSs.tB. CarHdwifyf.S.B.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  SWAMI'S: Swami's is a spectacular right reef point with unlimited possibilities. Unfortunately,                                                   GRANDVIEW                                                                                                                                                  Forest  Rd. Rd.                                                                 Rancho Pkwy.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  because of its high quality it is arguably the most crowded break in San Diego County as well.                                                          BEACONS
                                                                                                                                                                                                  It's a somewhat localized spot so don't expect to paddle out and grab the set of the day. Be                                                                                                    LEUCADIA                              Bl.                                                                                                                                         Del        Lake
                                                                                                                                                                                                  patient and look for the insiders, which line up and race along the edge of a beautiful rock                                                                                                       Leucadia                                                                                                                                                                                 Hodges
                                                                                                                                                                                                  reef, and you'll still leave with a smile on your face. Capable of handling any size, Swami's is
                                                                         Ordinary Day at Trestles                                                                                                 the place to go when it gets huge and unruly everywhere else. Best Season: Winter/Swell                                                                                                                           Encinitas Bl.                                                 El Camino Del Norte                                                                               Hwy.   Rancho Bernardo Rd.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  Direction: West, Northwest/Size 2'-12'/Tide: Low - Medium/Wind: None, East/Bottom:                                                                                                                                  ENCINITAS                                                                              El                                                                                            Bernardo Dr.Camino
                                                                                      Photos, Including Title Blocks                                                                              Reef/Rating: Advanced/Daily Surf Report/Webcam.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Del Norte
                                                                                          by Gia Danson, author of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Santa Fe Dr.                                                                                                                                                                               Rd.
                                                                                         SUN, SAND, and SURF                                                                                             CARDIFF CAMPGROUND: The campground area features at least a half-dozen great                                                                                                                                                                           AMvaen.chester                                         Escondido Del                                   Dios
                                                                                           The Ultimate Guide to                                                                                         little reef breaks. Not as spectacular as Swami's, but to beat the crowds a bit and still                                                                                                                   CARDIFF-                                                                                                                                                              MountainTed WiPllkiawmy.s
                                                                                        San Diego County Beaches                                                                                         get your surfing fix, try (from North to South), DABBER, BROWN HOUSE, PIPES,                                                                                                                             BY-THE-SEA                                                               Del                                                                                                     Poway Rd.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         TRAPS, TURTLES, BARNY'S, 85's, and TIPPERS. Spend the night. Rating: Int. to Adv.                                                                                                                                                                                                        Paseo Delicias
SAN DIEGO SEASON OVERVIEW:
                                                                                                                                                                                                         SAN ELIJO STATE BEACH: Scattered reefs and unpredictable line-ups occupy this stretch
Winter: Winter in San Diego means water temperatures in the mid-high 50's and consistent northwest                                                                                                       of coast. It is possible to score an isolated peak if you're lucky. At the north end of the
groundswell. Most of the breaks throughout the county come to life during the Winter and not surprisingly                                                                                                beach is a popular spot named "Pipes" PIPES is a consistent left breaking over a somewhat                                                                                                                                                                                                       RANCHO
some of these breaks can become rather crowded. However, with such an abundance of decent days and ever-                                                                                                 shallow slab of rock reef. Surfers of all genres can be seen hassling for lefts, especially                                                                                                                                                          Lagoon                                    SANTA FE
changing conditions there are always a few playful waves to be found.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         on the weekends. Intermediate.                                                                                                                                                                                                 San Elijo                                   LineaCielo
Spring: The northwest groundswell factory slowly grinds to a halt during the Spring. The steady, long period                                                                                                 SUCKOUTS: Fifty yards north of Cardiff is another peak called Suckouts. The name says
swells of winter are replaced by moody, localized wind-driven swells. The stubborn South Pacific might send a                                                                                                it all as "Suckouts" is a dredging barrel which prefers a lower tide. Whether you decide
few southwest swells to tempt the masses; but, the predominantly northwest facing beaches make their                                                     0246                                     8          to go left or right you're bound to catch a few good ones. Advanced.                                                                                                                                                       Lomas Santa Fe Dr.
arrival a hit or miss proposition. Water temperatures change almost daily between tolerable and intolerable
as occasional fierce onshore winds produce upwelling. Overall, anything is possible.                                                                                                    Miles                    CARDIFF: A long, right point breaking over a flat rock ledge. On an average day the wave                                                                                                                               SOLANA BEACH                                Valle               Rd.

Summer: The best option for any surfer during the Summer is to surf as early as possible. Summertime in                                                  0246                                  8                 is slow and mushy but it's still fun to squeeze in a few turns. When the swell is pushing                                                                                                                                  Via De                                La
San Diego is notorious for crowds, on the beach and in the water. South swells usually miss this stretch of                                                                                                      five feet or more Cardiff can rifle down the line and offer an exhilarating ride. Cardiff                                                                                                                                    Del Mar                                 San
the coast, but a big enough southwest will light up a fair share of spots, especially around the La Jolla area.                                                  Kilometers                                      is easily accessible with parking right on the beach, predictably, it is one of the most                                                                                                                                  Fairgrounds                                         Dieguito                                                                                                                  Pomerado Rd.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 crowded breaks around. Best Season: Fall, Winter / Swell Direction: W, NW/Size 2'-8'/                                                                                                                                                                 Camino Real              Rd. Carmel
                                                                                                                                                                 SCALE                                           Tide: Low/Wind: None, E/Bottom: Reef/Rating: Advanced/Daily Surf Report                                                                                                                                                DEL MAR                                                                        Valley Rd.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 EVAN'S: Decent, little-known left beachbreak. Rating: Intermediate                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Carmel

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 GEORGE'S: Decent beachbreak located directly north of Seaside Reef. Rating: Int.                                                                                                                                                             Del Mar Heights                                          56

                                                                                                                                                         For more fabulous Franko’s Surfing Maps, visit:         SEASIDE REEF: A very popular destination for many local surfers. The wave itself is                                                                                                                                                                   El                                      Ted                    Williams                  Fwy.
                                                                                                                                                                          www.frankosmaps.com                    predominantly a left which, given enough size and a low tide, can spit out gaping barrels
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 over its shallow, rock reef. The right is a viable option but it really doesn't have the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 same juice as the left. On smaller days check the inside reform which can be a fun option.                                                                                                                                                                               SAN DIEGO                                                                 Black Mtn. Rd.          Scripps Poway Pkwy.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Best Season: Fall, Spring/Swell Direction: West, Northwest/ Size 2'-6'/Tide: Low/Wind:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Camino Ruiz                              Spring Cyn.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 East/Bottom: Reef and Sand/Rating: Intermediate
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         15 Rd.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 PALLIES: At the south end of Solana Beach Park, Pallies is a fun left, but the constant                                                                                                                                                                  Genesee                       Valley          Bl.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 southerly current makes you work for it.                                                                                                                                                                                          TorreySorrenPtinoeVsalley Rd.                           Mira        Mesa                                                                  Pomerado Rd.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 TABLETOPS: Located just south of Seaside Reef, Tabletops offers a reef break set-up                                                                                                                                         Torrey Pines State BeachTorrey         Sorrento                                          Bl.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 with reform possibilities. With the right tide and swell the reef juts from the bottom                                                                                                                                                        Pines
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 to form a quick barrel and performance-oriented shoulder. It breaks pretty far out so                                                                                                                                                         Golf
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 be prepared to do some serious paddling. Advanced.                                                                                                                                                                                           Course

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 SOLANA BEACH/PILLBOX: Ordinary beachbreak with an extraordinary beach.                                                                                                           La Jolla Canyon

    In general, the water can get warm enough to trunk it but the afternoon wind usually calls for a springsuit.                                                                                                 DEL MAR RIVERMOUTH: Shifty beachbreak on a constantly-evolving mix of sand, tide                                                                                                 60300’ 0’      60’                                                              Rd.                             Miramar                                 Rd.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 and current. Intermediate.                                                                                                                                                                               30’                                           5                                                                                  Miramar Wy.
    Fall: If you could choose the ideal time to surf in San Diego you would have to pick the Fall. Early season                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 La Jolla Village Dr.
    northwest groundswells originating in the North Pacific begin their monotonous assault on this region. Mixed                                                                                                       DEL MAR: 15th Street in Del Mar has an isolated reef that attracts a lot of surfers,                                                                                                                                La JollDar.Shores
    with a few late season southwest swells and the possibility of slack winds or offshore conditions, you have the                                                                                                    especially on the weekends. The left races along the edge of the reef allowing for multiple                                                                                                                                                                                                        Kearny Villa Rd.United States
    recipe for epic conditions. The water has started to chill down but the quality and abundance of good surf                                                                                                         turns down the line while the right tends to back off and mush out. If you're not                                                                                                                                                                          Nobel Dr. 805                            Marine Corps
    overshadows the cold.                                                                                                                                                                                              interested in hassling with the crowd both north and south of 15th offers nice beachbreak                                                                                                                                                                                 Ave.                       Air Station
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       waves with sparse crowds. Even though these areas have a knack for closing out, if you                                                                                    Point La Jolla                                                                     Governor            Dr.
Copyright August 2007 by Frank M. Nielsen Corona, California “Franko Maps, Ltd.” email: franko@frankosmaps.com website: www.frankosmaps.com                                                                            search hard enough you’re bound to discover something rideable. Best Season: All year/Swell                                                                           120’                                                                                                           52                Miramar
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Direction: W, NW, SW/Size: 3'-6'/Tide: Any Tide/Wind: None, E/Bottom: Rock and/or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Sand/Rating: Intermediate.                                                                                                                                                                                       LA JOLLA

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       TORREY PINES: Average beachbreak, tide sensitive. Long beach has many
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       possibilities, small crowds and fabulous scenery. Intermediate.
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