Surfing San Elijo, Cardiff, and Solana Beaches

Surfing at San Elijo State Beach can be good when conditions are right, often in winter, but also in summer. An east-northeast wind coupled with swells from the west-southwest produces some nice beach and reef breaks. A mixed sand and rock bottom creates some hazards. Pipes at the north end of the campground is the main surfing spot.

Caution: Before setting out, check with lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Cardiff

Cardiff also has a mixture of rocks and sand. At low tide the reef can be a hazard. The best surfing tends to be at a medium tide. Most surfers prefer the winter months here. Nearby to the north, Suck Outs' shallow water over the reef and often powerful waves make it a spot for extra caution.

Seaside

Seaside is located at the southern end of Cardiff State Beach. It is known for an exhilarating reef break best suited for intermediate surfers and above. Surfers find a number of peaks, offering a variety of rides. George's is found along the highway where there is free parking. A sandy bottom makes it a favorite with many. Tabletops is a reef break about 100 yards south of Seaside.

Fletcher Cove

Fletcher Cove (also known as Pillbox) in Solana is popular with everyone from beginning surfers to experts. Most often surfers find a sandy bottom with few rocks, but changing conditions can warrant caution. Waves are good through the summer and winter, breaking right and left. Wind from the south can sometimes cause the waves to turn mushy.

Surf Lessons, Camps, and Clubs

Eli Howard Surf School

Surfing lessons and camps for everyone from beginners to advanced. Weekend Escapes, Teen and Adult Overnight Surf Camps, Daily Lessons, Day Surf Camps and more. Located at San Elijo State Beach under a permit with the California State Parks.
Eli Howard Surf School

San Elijo Surf Team

The San Elijo Surf Team for middle school students is part of the San Elijo Surf Club. Among their goals are developing surfing fundamentals while learning ocean safety and surfing etiquette. The team practices on Wednesdays and Fridays after school and Sunday mornings at various locations. They participate in various competitions throughout the year.

It appears that the team has gone dormant during the COVID outbreak, but hopefully they will reappear once conditions are better.

Leucadia Surf School

Two-hour surfing lessons at Moonlight Beach - softboards and wetsuits provided. Private, semi-private, or small group lessons available. Summer Surf Camp for all ages.
Leucadia Surf School

Surfboard and Paddleboard Sales and Rentals

Mitch's Surf Shop

Rentals and sales of boards and wetsuits, also sales of clothing, fins, gear and more.
363 North Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA
Mitch's Surf Shop

Iron Cross Surfboards

Rentals of surfboards, wetsuits, stand-up paddleboards, boogie boards, beach chairs and umbrellas. Sales of surfboards, apparel, and accessories.
2101 San Elijo Avenue, Cardiff by the Sea, CA
Iron Cross Surfboards

Concept Surf Shop

Surfboards, wetsuits, boogie boards, bikes, and beach chair rentals.
215 West D Street, Encinitas, CA
Concept Surf Shop

Progression Surf

Rentals of surfboards (hard and soft), stand-up paddleboards, bodyboards, wetsuits, fins
828 North Coast Highway 101, Leucadia, ca
Progression Surf

Hansen's Surfboards

Demo surfboards, soft surfboards, bodyboards, and wetsuits
1105 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA
Hansen's Rentals

Paddle Planet

Stand-up paddleboard, kayak, surfboard, and bodyboard rentals.
996 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA
Paddle Planet

Solana Beach Junior Lifeguards and Groms Programs

The Solana Beach Junior Lifeguard Program develops ocean and beach safety, lifesaving skills, and physical fitness. Participants enjoy beach games, surfing, swimming, body boarding, body surfing, snorkeling and competitions. Included in the program are a Parents' Day, team photos, and a banquet.

Solana Beach Junior Lifeguards program is open to individuals ages 7 to 16. Participants are divided into two groups by age, Junior Lifeguards ages 9 - 16 and Groms ages 7 and 8. Groms is an introductory version of the Junior Lifeguard Program. Groms has a 1:4 staff to student ratio and participation in water activities is optional. No swim test is required for Groms.

Registration: Opens March 30, 2024 at 9:00 AM.

First-time participants in the Junior Lifeguards Program (ages 9-16) must complete a swim test, offered at dates in April and May at San Dieguito Boys and Girls Club. The Junior Lifeguard Program usually has two 4-week-long sessions and one 2-week session. Participants can sign up for either mornings or afternoons for each session. Groms are morning or afternoon for any of five 2-week long sessions.
Solana Beach Junior Lifeguards