Surfing Ocean Beach
Consistent waves along the main Ocean Beach draw all levels of surfers. The jetties create right and lefts over a sandy bottom with some rocks. Conditions are usually best with swells from the west or northwest and winds from the east. Dangerous rip tides along the beach warrant caution. Separate areas are designated for surfing and swimming.
Other surfing spots along the Ocean Beach include Dog Beach, Avalanche, and along Sunset Cliffs. Sunset Cliffs, characterized by pocket beaches and rugged cliffs, is considered best for experienced surfers. Rocks and rip tides are serious hazards.
Ocean Beach Surf Lessons and Camps
San Diego Surf Camp
Accredited instructors at San Diego Surf Lessons provide 1½ hour instruction in group, semi-private, or individual settings. Lessons are available 7 days a week from at 9 AM through 3 PM. Day camps for ages 6-17 are offered with CPR/Red Cross certified instructors. Week-long surf camps begin in mid-June and continue through late August.
San Diego Surf Camp
First Surfing Lesson
Ocean Experience Surf School
Surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding lessons, camps, and clinics. Three-hour lessons for ages 6 years and older - from beginners to advanced surfers. Private or group lessons available. Surf camps run from 9 AM to 3:300 PM at Ocean Beach. Week-long sessions begin in mid-June and continue through mid-August.
Ocean Experience Surf School
Pacific Surf School
Pacific Surf School meets at Ocean Beach where they offer year-round surf lessons, surf camps, day camps, overnight camps, stand-up paddleboard lessons and kit surfing lessons. Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available along with weekend clinics. All instructors are certified in CPR and Red Cross first aid. Classes are limited to 1:4 ratio of instructor to students. Day camps run 5 days in the summer, offering morning, afternoon, or all-day sessions.
Pacific Surf School
Surfboard, Paddleboard, and Bike Rentals
Ocean Beach Surf & Skate
Rentals of surfboards, body boards, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, skim boards, and bicycle. Also surfing lessons and camps.
4940 Newport Avenue, San Diego, CA
Ocean Beach Surf & Skate
Pacific Surf School Rentals
Surfboard rentals, also stand-up paddleboards, body boards, skim boards, and wetsuits.
5037 Newport Avenue, San Diego, CA
Pacific Surf School Rentals
Ocean Beach Surf School Rentals
Rentals of soft surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, and wetsuits
5023 Newport Avenue, San Diego, CA
Ocean Beach Surf School Rentals
Ocean Beach Bike Paths
The Ocean Beach Bike Path begins at Dog Beach along the San Diego River Overflow. The paved path heads east along the south side of the river taking riders all the way to the 805. Connections take cycler cross the river the north bank and the Old Sea World route. From there other trails lead around Mission Bay.
Although the ride along Sunset Cliffs Drive requires cyclers to negotiate surface streets, it is among the most popular riding destinations in Ocean Beach, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and the rugged shoreline along southern Ocean Beach.
Another favorite ride is south on Cabrillo Memorial Drive to the Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma. A short distance past Point Loma Nazarene University riders pick up a dedicated bike lane. The ride is about 7 miles one-way from Dog Beach.
Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument
Point Loma Tide Pools
At the southern end of Point Loma at the Cabrillo National Monument are some of the best tide pools in the area. The 1-mile coastal trail begins at parking lots 1 or 2 off Gatchell Road and leads to the tide pools. A road leading to the tide pools may be closed for short times in the summer when the parking areas are full.
During low tides the intertidal zones at the Monument reveal their sensitive ecosystems. All of the features of the tide pools are protected and should not be disturbed in any way. Ranger-led hikes are available during most low tide periods.
Other points of interest in the monument include the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and the visitor center. The Monument is also a good place for whale watching during migration months in the winter.
Reach the Monument by following Cabrillo Memorial Drive south out of Ocean Beach. There is an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle or $3 per walk-in or bicycle.
Cabrillo National Monument
San Diego Junior Lifeguards
Girls and boys ages 9 through 17 are invited to participate in San Diego's Junior Lifeguards, while those ages 7 and 8 can join the JGrommets. Online registration for 2024 begins February 24, 2024.
San Diego Junior Lifeguards and JGrommets
Junior Lifeguards develop of range of ocean related skills and information under the guidance of professional lifeguards. Participants learn about ocean and beach safety, first aid, CPR, and water rescue techniques while at the same time developing their physical fitness. Activities include body surfing, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, beach games, and competition events.
JGrommets can participate in a week-long introduction to ocean awareness. Activities include ocean safety, open water swimming and other ocean activities.
Tryouts
All new participants in Junior Lifeguards and JGrommets must attend a tryout in order to participate. JGrommets must be able to swim 50 yards. Junior Lifeguards have more rigorous tryout requirements. Tryout dates are offered at various locations April through June.
2024 Junior Lifeguard Sessions
Junior Lifeguards choose either morning or afternoon sessions. Classes meet Monday through Friday at various locations around the Ocean Bay and La Jolla areas. (no class July 4)
Session 1 June 10 to July 5, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
Session 2 July 8 to August 2, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
2024 JGrommets Session
Session: August 5-9, 2024, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
