Open Ocean Bay Area
San Francisco Bay's best waves
The surf
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, San Francisco is usually overlooked by surfers, who tend to go to the warmer waters in Southern California. However, the city has some great - and famous - breaks for every type of surfer.
Expect mild temperatures year-round, from 5°C (40F) to 21ºC (70F) or higher during the summer, the season when fog can appear at any time and temperatures can dramatically change. Anytime is good to visit, but the drier months (from August to October) are considered the best.
A 4/3 and 3/2 wetsuit are good for most of the year, but you will need boots during the fall and winter months.
Breaks
The adventure
Half Moon Bay is a city located by the iconic Highway 1 Road with a moon-shaped coast that has inspired the name of this area. The bay is famous for its world-class waves, huge sequoia trees, and whales that visit the coast from time to time.
The town is also known for the Mavericks break. This big-waves spot can get hit by waves up to 25 meters high, attracting the brave big wave riders. Half Moon Bay has surf for all levels and types of surfers, from beginners to professionals.
Culture
Half Moon Bay has a big cultural scene, hosting many events during the year, such as the "Shakespeare in the park," the "Summers End Music Festival," and, as this is the world capital of the pumpkin, the "Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival."
There's a lot to see in Half Moon Bay. The charming city center and the Main Street are worth a visit. There's still a huge influence from this city's past with lots of colonial influences. There are historical buildings that are known as local stores, restaurants, and galleries. If you are interested in history, there's a lot to visit.
There are lots of charming restaurants in Half Moon Bay for all tastes and preferences, from pubs to fine dining options.
Activities
Half Moon Bay is surrounded by amazing nature and a myriad of outdoor activities. Hikes, farm visits, tidepool exploring and, much more can be arranged in this city.
The Half Moon Coastal Trail is a stretch of the California Coastal Trail and it has amazing ocean views during the path and spots different animals. This trail can also take you to some beaches in the area. It is also possible to rent bikes and go on a ride.
There are lots of National Parks and reserves around the city, such as the McNee Ranch State Park and the Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Park Property.
Location
Getting there
Open Ocean
Dave Alexander
The owner and surf instructor, Dave Alexander, has dedicated his life to surfing the local waves and making the coast his home. A native to the San Francisco Bay Area and Half Moon Bay, California, Dave was in the ocean before he was 5 years old and learned to surf by the time he was 12, and has never stopped.
Cumulatively he has taught for over 25 years, and has introduced many students to surfing, and the love for the ocean. Many of these students have made surfing their life and come back to share stories of adventure found at the beach. Dave is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz School of Education and has had classroom experience ranging from preschool to high school, including physical education and coaching at various schools and facilities in the Bay Area.
