It is hard to beat the surf in San Diego as far as Southern California goes. There are different breaks all up and down the coast and each wave has its own personality and crowd. While a majority of the waves here are laid-back reef breaks, there are also some punchy beach breaks and a few more competitive spots that attract the region's best surfers.
September/October is usually the golden window for Southern California, where optimal conditions can align. This means a combo of both North and South swells, offshore winds, not too cold of water and warm daytime temperatures. While the waves can get bigger on the good swells, there is almost always a good spot for a beginner to have fun too.
November/December/January/February, our winter season is the most variable in terms of condition. While some days are sunny and 70 degrees, some are cloudy and quite cold. Water temperatures drop down into the 50's and wave heights can reach 6-8ft. On most days, we can find a spot for beginners, but some days may be too big if the swell is peaking. This is the best time for more advanced surfers looking to surf the region while it's pumping.
March/April, our spring can be fun and similar to the fall, but conditions are a bit more variable. It's still a fun time for surfers of all levels, but it's good to keep an eye on the weather patterns. Things tend to slow down as we approach summer.
May/June this is usually the slowest time for surf in Southern California. However, there can still be amazing south swells. The weather is usually overcast but still warm or at least mild enough not to need a jacket or a thick wetsuit. July/August summer is in full swing and temperatures are hot and winds pick up early. That being said, this is the window for south swells to come in with good energy and light up the south-facing breaks.
At Surf Education Academy, we focus on character development through surfing and our programming and curriculum provide a fun and safe environment while creating great surfers in and out of the water. Our Surf Camps are a great opportunity for kids to develop and improve their surfing skills and confidence by working with our world-class surf coaches while making new friends and enjoying the pristine conditions of La Jolla Shores.
One of the best ways to improve your surfing is to work with our world-class SEA Surf Coaches in a private setting. This personalized approach is great for all levels and allows us to customize each session and training program.
Every surfer is unique in their goals and abilities, so we approach surf coaching the same way. Schedule your upcoming sessions today and watch your confidence take off in and out of the water!
Born into the epicenter of the surf industry in Southern California, Sean Brody cut his teeth at Rusty Surfboards, where he climbed the ropes from shop grom to Surf Instructor to Staff Photographer and Digital Media Manager.
Brody has traveled the world surfing, photographing, working in community development, and completed a Master’s Degree in Hospitality Tourism Management with an Emphasis in Sustainable Surf Tourism (from San Diego State University).
Brody has had his hands in many surfing development and philanthropy projects, including founding the international non-profit organization Surf Resource Network, co-founding the first sustainable surf tourism operations in Liberia, West Africa- Kwepunha Retreat and Kwepunha Surf Academy, serving as the Africa Development Adviser for the International Surfing Association, and taking on the role of the International Surfing Association’s Membership Manager - where he consulted for 97 National Surfing Federations across the globe, worked to get surfing included in the Olympic Games, helped to conceptualize and produce the first-ever World Adaptive Surfing Championship, and managed the global Educational Programs for the ISA.
Brody has now launched the Surf Education Academy to ensure that everyone in the water has a fantastic surfing experience by offering premium educational programming that focuses on safety, quality, and best practices through hands-on learning.