On the south end of Cardiff (some say north end of Solana Beach) is Seaside. This is a pronounced peak with a hollow left. The right is okay, too, but mushy. Expect a short ride, unless there is a big swell, as the reef is fairly narrow. Cardiff Reef and Pipes are both great for longboarding in general, but can get some power for shortboards on a winter swell. Pipes, like Torrey Pines, is another forgiving wave that is good for beginners. Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 11 miles from UCSD.
San Diegans typically embrace odd or “different” public art. Take the CowParade in La Jolla or the Urban Trees along San Diego Bay. Surfers, on the other hand, are a tough crowd. Just ask sculptor Matthew Antichevich, whose effeminate surfing statue on the corner of the Pacific Coast Highway and Manchester Avenue regularly receives makeovers, ranging from Halloween costumes to prom dresses – depending on the season. More than a bunch of playful pranks, lessons from the “Cardiff Kook” carry west into the lineup. Locals are generally easygoing, but don’t overstep your bounds, otherwise you might end up the beach wearing a strapless number yourself.
Cardiff Reef teems with experienced longboarders and stand-up paddleboarders looking to pick off right-hand waves that slowly unfold across the reef. However, on big northwest swells, the wave becomes hollow and the crowd thins out. Although longboarders dominate the lineup, those with a smaller board aren’t necessarily at a disadvantage. Suckouts, a shallow slab that should only be tackled with a shortboard, is a stone’s throw to the north. To the south, the beachbreak Restaurants offers up fun, yet short rides on the right swell. Overall, congested as this area may be (some circles refer to it as “Crowdiff”), there’s a reason local legends like Joel Tudor can be found trimming across the face of waves when the surf is pumping.
Level: Intermediate to advanced Best Swell: Northwest Best Season: Winter Parking: A pay lot is near the break, but park along the Pacific Coast Highway for free.