West Coast and Pacific Coast, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Capitola, Bay Area, CA. Just 30 miles south of San Francisco, CA, it’s home to some of the most awe-inspiring waves on the West Coast—including the infamous Mavericks, a world-renowned big wave surf break that has drawn elite surfers from around the globe.
Half Moon Bay, a rugged yet scenic coastal town in Northern California, holds a special place in the heart of the Bay Area’s surfing culture. But beyond Mavericks and the legends it creates, Half Moon Bay represents a broader shift in how a modern Bay Area generation experiences surfing. Today’s surfers aren’t just chasing glory on 50-foot waves; they’re tech workers, artists, activists, and weekend warriors seeking balance between the rapid pace of urban life and the rhythm of the Pacific Ocean. They come from Oakland, Palo Alto, San Francisco—often trading keyboards and coffee shops for wetsuits and saltwater before sunrise.
This new generation brings a different ethos to the waves. Sustainability, inclusivity, and mental well-being are just as important as style and technique. You’ll find diverse lineups—more women, more BIPOC surfers, more queer representation—breaking away from surfing’s historically exclusive image. They paddle out with eco-friendly boards and compostable wax, and organize beach cleanups between sessions. Surfing, for them, is as much about community and mindfulness as it is about carving waves.
Half Moon Bay, with its mix of misty cliffs, dramatic tides, and local surf shops that still have soul, offers the perfect setting for this evolving culture. It’s a reminder that even in a fast-changing, tech-driven region, there’s a deep reverence for the timeless pull of the ocean—and the sense of freedom that comes with riding a wave. > YouTube Shorts - Surfing in Half Moon Bay.
Another place to visit is Santa Cruz, renowned for its rich surfing heritage and iconic breaks like Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point, which hosts a variety of surfing events throughout the year.
Here's a selection of notable competitions and gatherings that celebrate the vibrant surf culture of the area: Santa Cruz+2scsslsurf.org+2Santa Cruz+2
Most exciting Dates to follow:
SCLU Memorial Day Club Invitational, Santa Cruz, CA; Held on May 24–25, 2025, at 700 W Cliff Dr, this is the longest-running longboard surf contest in the U.S., organized by the Santa Cruz Longboard Union. The event supports local nonprofits benefiting children.
These events highlight Santa Cruz's commitment to preserving its surfing legacy while embracing new generations of surfers. Whether you're a competitor or a spectator, the city's coastline offers a dynamic and inclusive environment to experience the thrill of surfing.
Top Surfing Spots in the Bay Area:
1. Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar) – Pacifica
Level: Beginner to Intermediate Vibe: Friendly, popular, often crowded Details: Just 20 minutes south of San Francisco, this crescent-shaped beach is a go-to for newbies and longboarders. A surf school operates here, and waves are typically gentle and forgiving.
2. Ocean Beach – San Francisco
Level: Advanced Vibe: Serious, gritty, high-energy Details: A powerful beach break with heavy swell, strong currents, and frigid water. Best left to experienced surfers. It's moody and raw, but iconic.
3. Fort Point – San Francisco
Level: Intermediate to Advanced Vibe: Local-only feel, urban surf Details: Located under the Golden Gate Bridge, this reef break offers scenic views and inconsistent but thrilling waves. Watch the tide, and respect the local lineup.
4. Half Moon Bay (Mavericks & Surfers Beach)
Mavericks: Expert only; Surfer’s Beach: Beginner to Intermediate. Vibe: Contrasting—chill at Surfer’s Beach, intense at Mavericks. Details: Mavericks is one of the most famous big-wave spots in the world, with waves reaching 60 feet in winter. Nearby Surfers Beach is more approachable and suitable for casual sessions.
5. Princeton Jetty – Half Moon Bay
Level: Intermediate Vibe: Underrated and punchy Details: Offers decent waves in the right swell direction. Shorter rides but fun for shortboarders and adventurous longboarders.
6. Bolinas Beach – Marin County
Level: Beginner Vibe: Mellow, artsy, laid-back Details: Ideal for longboarding and new surfers, especially during small south swells. Surrounded by scenic headlands and close to a quaint, off-the-grid town.
7. Stinson Beach – Marin County
Level: Beginner to Intermediate Vibe: Relaxed, family-friendly Details: A beautiful, long beach with variable conditions. Good spot for beginners when the surf is smaller.
8. Rockaway Beach – Pacifica
Level: Intermediate Vibe: Compact and local.
