Maybe you’re just (literally) getting your toes wet, or maybe you’ve been surfing since you were six years old. Either way, the sun-and-surf crowd is always looking for that next perfect spot, and the perfect wave to go along with it. This summer, surf pro Anna Gudauskas and photographer Sarah Lee began a 10-day, 15-stop journey down the West Coast, sponsoring beach cleanups along the way. It was all part of Kona Brewing’s Catch a Clean Wave campaign, dedicated to cleaning up the shores where surfers work their magic. Inspired by their journey and Kona’s commitment to the Save The Waves Coalition, we’re highlighting our favorite surf spots along the Cali coast, pairing each one with a Kona brew that matches the vibe of each break. Click below to learn about each spot and which case of beer to bring along.
Way up in Humboldt County, Moonstone Beach’s good vibes and fun waves are worth the year-round fullsuit (and booties, hood, gloves, and, ideally, 50 pounds of extra blubber in the colder months). This beach break works best during a building high tide, with cruisy longboard waves and barrels playing host to beginners and lifers alike, depending on the time of year. Like other California beaches, the winter waves are gnarlier, while summer tends to supply mostly ankle-slappers. Goofy-footed surfers rejoice — left-breaking waves can be just as plentiful as rights at Moonstore, making it easier to turn into the slope. With easy parking and gorgeous scenery, Moonstone’s only real shortcoming may be its water temps. Oh yeah, and the (very) slight potential of a shark sighting.
The Best Surf Spots Along The
MOOONSTONE
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Santa Cruz is like the Malibu of NorCal: classic surf that just works, a gorgeous landscape, and a performative, packed line up. This is true across the three most well-known SC spots: Cowell’s, Pleasure Point, and Steamer Lane, but is extra evident at Steamer Lane. It’s not so much a “locals-only” vibe, since it’s way too popular with tourists from all over the world. It’s just that style is taken seriously here, maybe even more so than at Malibu. But if you don’t mind being watched by the scene’s regulars, the payoff is near-perfect surf for shortboarders. (Though, longboarders, beginners, and shyer surfers would probably prefer the more mellow Cowell’s or inter-mediate Pleasure Point). One other difference between Santa Cruz and Malibu? The water temperature. You’ll for sure want to wear a fullsuit (a.k.a. a steamer!) year-round.
Santa Cruz
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Longboard Island Lager. Kona’s signature lager is light and easy drinking but still holds up to a brisk day in the chop.
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Big Wave Golden Ale. This classic is smooth, enjoyable anywhere, and fun to show off to newbies. It might just make you the most popular person on the shore.
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Across the three main breaks in Ventura — Pipe, Stables, and California (“C”) Street — there are plenty of waves for all board lengths and all levels. Pipe, the most northern of the three waves, offers the best and biggest rides, making it the most popular. With consistent, hollow rights, shortboards often share the lineup with logs. However, you’ll see very few newbies bobbing among them, as they’re usually getting their bearings at C Street. But C Street is more than just a beginner’s break, as it hosts an elusive but punchy left (a rare occurrence among California’s rights) and clean walls that rival those of Malibu, minus the crowds. Parking is plentiful, and convenient, but beware the blown-out afternoons as well as the prolific kelp that reaches up from the sand; it’s not uncommon to get yanked off your board if your fins get tangled during a mid-to-low tide.
Kona Light Blonde Ale. It’s a crowd pleaser with a clean finish, just like the breaks on C Street.
VENTURA POINT/C STREET
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Malibu is home to miles of surfable beaches, but when you think of “Malibu,” you’re likely picturing First Point. The cobblestone point break is iconic for good reason — it's the most consistent, clean right-hander in California, known to provide rides lasting for a couple hundred yards for lucky (and local, the vibes here are strong) long-boarders. It’s therefore no surprise that First Point has been crowded for the past 90 years or so, which means it’s not a great spot for first-timers and you’ll definitely have to wait for your wave. The good news is that there’s always another one at this machine-like break, and it’s always worth it. Leave your shortboard at home (or, wander up the beach to Second or Third Point) and be prepared to walk from a street parking spot up on the PCH, as the lot is often full by first light.
Hanalei Island IPA. One sip and you’ll want to hoard it all for yourself. Just remember that sharing is caring, whether it’s waves or brews.
MALIBU FIRST POINT
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A sandy beach break stretching between 45th Street and Rosecrans Avenue in Manhattan Beach, El Porto is a favorite among LA’s shortboarders for its powerful, racy surf. When northwest swells roll through in the winter, it can get especially big and barrel-y—and packed. But beginners on foamies, fear not: most of the time, these waves are also notorious for closing out quickly, leaving a deep whitewash expanse and a perfect place to practice your pop-up (say that five times fast!). Getting to freeway-adjacent El Porto is easy and its metered (read: cheap for LA) parking lot that spans the length of the whole beach. Just remember to make it out before the beach gets black-balled by the lifeguards on summer afternoons.
Wave Rider Variety Pack. It has something for everyone, perfect for a beach that attracts just about anyone.
EL PORTO
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Doheny is one of those rare spots in California that truly works for — and welcomes — beginners. On mellow summer days, it’s not uncommon to see little kids sharing a longboard with their parents here, with plenty of long, lazy rights for the whole family. Fun fact: Kona officially adopted this beach, and it’ll be the site of their upcoming music festival, Ohana Fest. Doheny is also a state beach, which means a first-timer can literally set up camp and spend a few days nailing their popup on its mellow waves. More advanced loggers have fun here, too, especially closer to the jetty. To truly enjoy this beginner’s paradise, bring some reef booties for the sharp, rocky bottom and absolutely do not paddle out at Doheny after a rainstorm. The water quality is notoriously a no-go here in the winter weather — no surf is worth an earache.
Big Wave Golden Ale. It’s accessible, drinkable, and easy to like, with a lighter body perfect for summer sipping. All are welcome.
DOHENY
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Not to be confused with the colder and sharkier break in San Francisco, Ocean Beach is a fun, consistent, and accessible spot in the center of San Diego. And accessibility doesn’t just mean it’s easy to get to or park at (it’s both); OB’s punchy beach break works for boards of all lengths and surfers of all abilities and stances, with both right and left peaks on offer. There’s always a place to slot in even with summer crowds, and with a family-friendly vibe and a sandy bottom, the biggest thing to watch out for is runoff from the San Diego River.
Longboard Island Lager. Even though all boards are welcome at OB, there’s always room for the logs. These island lagers pair perfectly with the smoothness of the break.
OCEAN BEACH
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Written by Claire Salinda
Edited by Stephen Rubino
Illustration by Sam Silverman
Art Direction by Becky Joy
CREDITS:
moonstone beach
Santa cruz
doheny
Ventura
Malibu
Ocean Beach
EL Porto
