12 Best Longboard Waves in California

In this article, I’ll share my experiences and recommendations for the best longboard waves in California. From Huntington Beach to Santa Cruz, these are the waves that I’ve found to be the most fun and challenging for longboarding.

As a seeker of longboard waves, I know the importance of finding the right waves for my style of surfing.

That’s why I’ve decided to write this article about the best longboard waves in California.

With its warm waters and consistent swells, there are plenty of surfing in California that are a paradise for longboarders like me.

You can also van life all of California to experience all these waves for yourself.

1. Huntington Beach Cliffs, Huntington Beach

As a longboard surfer, I have to say that Huntington Beach Cliffs is one of my favorite spots in California.

The waves here are soft and slow most of the year, making it a great place for longboarding.

Even on smaller days, you can still catch some great rides here.

However, on lower tides and with the right swell combo, the waves can get fast enough to shortboard on as well.

One of the things I love about Huntington Beach Cliffs is its location. The surf spot is situated near the cliffs, which provides a beautiful and scenic backdrop.

Overall, Huntington Beach Cliffs is a great spot for longboarders of all levels.

2. Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is known for its great surfing, but the water can be a little cold.

If you’re looking for warmer water, you might want to go somewhere else.

But if you don’t mind the cold, Santa Cruz has some really good waves for longboarding.

Pleasure Point is a great place to go longboard surfing in Santa Cruz. It’s near The Hook and has lots of nice waves that are perfect for longboarding. The main spot to catch the waves is down 30th street.

Pleasure Point also has a nice atmosphere. There are always lots of people surfing, and everyone is very friendly. You can have fun just cruising along the shore or trying to catch a wave.

3. Malibu Surfrider Beach, Malibu

As a longboard surfer, I have to say that Malibu Surfrider Beach is my favorite surf spot in California.

This section of Malibu is known for its three surf breaks: First, Second, and Third Point. Among these, First Point is particularly well-known for its long, even breaking wave that is perfect for longboarders.

One of the things I love about Malibu Surfrider Beach is the consistent waves that it offers.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for a mellow ride or an experienced surfer looking for a challenge, you’ll find something to love here.

The waves at First Point are generally consistent and offer a smooth, flowing ride that is perfect for longboarding.

4. Tourmaline Surfing Park, San Diego

If you’re a longboard surfer looking for a great spot in San Diego, look no further than Tourmaline Surfing Park. The waves here are generally mellow and consistent, making it a great place for beginners and experienced longboarders alike.

One of the things that makes Tourmaline Surfing Park unique is that it has a primarily sand bottom.

On the south side of the beach, near Crystal Pier, you’ll find all sand. This is the best area for beginners.

As you move further north, the bottom turns into reef and rock, and the waves become more consistent but also more challenging.

5. Santa Barbara

Located on the central coast of California, Santa Barbara is a great destination for longboard surfing.

One of the top spots for longboarding in Santa Barbara is Rincon Point. Located just south of the city, Rincon Point is a world-famous surf spot that offers long, smooth waves that are perfect for longboarding.

The waves here are generally consistent and offer a smooth, flowing ride that is perfect for longboarders of all levels.

Another great longboarding spot in Santa Barbara is Sandspit. Located near the harbor, Sandspit offers a variety of waves that are suitable for longboarding.

The beach here is wide and sandy, providing plenty of space for longboarders to spread out and enjoy the waves.

The waves at Sandspit are generally mellow and consistent, making it a great place for beginners and experienced longboarders alike.

6. San Onofre

As a longboard surfer, I have to say that San Onofre is the best longboard spot in all of California.

Located near San Diego, San Onofre offers a dependable lineup with long rights and shorter, but faster lefts.

The waves here break anywhere from ankle high to well overhead, making it a great spot for longboarders of all levels.

You may have to do a bit of a rock dance on the low tide, but by and large, The Point breaks through most tides.

7. Pacific Palisades

Pacific Palisades is a really fun and good-vibed place for longboarding.

It’s a great spot for surfers of all levels, and the other surfers are always encouraging and kind. I always have a great time when I go there.

8. Redondo Beach

I think Redondo Beach is a good surf spot, but the waves can be a little unpredictable.

Sometimes they are small and easy to ride, but other times they are big and hard to handle.

So it’s not always the best place to go longboarding.

9. Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is a nice place to surf, but it can be a little hit or miss.

If the waves are good, you can have a lot of fun longboarding near the pier.

But if they are not so good, it can be disappointing.

10. Swami’s in Encinitas

I love going to Swami’s in Encinitas for longboarding. It has an epic point break and is in my favorite little surf town in California. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.

11. La Jolla

La Jolla is a beautiful place for surfing, with long, wide shores and a great pier outside of Scripps.

The waves here are nearly unparalleled in beauty, and it’s always a pleasure to surf here.

12. Ventura County

Ventura County is another good surf spot. The waves here are usually pretty good, and you can have a lot of fun longboarding from C Street to Emma Wood State Park.

Riding the Swells: A Look at the History of Longboard Surfing in California

Longboard surfing has a rich and storied history in California.

The state is home to some of the world’s most famous surf spots, and has been at the forefront of the sport since its inception.

In this section, we’ll take a brief look at the history of longboard waves in California.

Longboard surfing first became popular in California in the 1950s and 1960s, as surfers began to experiment with longer and more stable boards.

These boards, which were typically over 9 feet long, allowed surfers to ride smaller waves and perform a wider range of maneuvers.

As a result, longboard surfing quickly became a popular pastime in California, and the state became known as a hotbed of longboard surfing talent.

In the decades that followed, longboard surfing continued to evolve and grow in California.

The state became home to some of the world’s most famous longboard surfers, and its surf spots became renowned for their consistent and challenging waves.

Today, longboard surfing in California is still a popular pastime, and the state remains at the forefront of the sport.