The choice of UCSD's Surf Team. This is a long stretch of beach, with intermittent reefs. The variety of reef and beach breaks along this stretch makes it almost guaranteed that you can find some good waves- just walk a little further if it doesn't look good in front. This variety makes it fun for the beginner and expert alike. La Jolla, less than 1 mile from UCSD.
Black's Beach. One of the world’s top beachbreaks, this jewel sucks in swells courtesy of the Scripps Submarine Canyon. Probably no other spot in San Diego County is as consistent, with as many good waves and surfers, as Black's. The water is generally crystal clear and the clarity, shape and uniqueness of the waves reminds me of beaches in Australia.
Black’s is also one of the best places in San Diego County to spot bottlenose dolphins and just offshore is one of the most important locations for shark research in Southern California. Thankfully, Black's is now part of the San Diego-Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area—a marine protected area.
A mountainous wave in the distance. Scratching to paddle past the impact zone before the liquid bomb detonates…
Anyone who has surfed Black’s Beach on a big day knows the feeling. Not for the faint of heart, the off-shore canyon at Black’s magnifies approaching swells, creating a powerful lefthander that’s a favorite of daring tube hunters. Needless to say, experts only.
Access is difficult. For most, the journey begins above the sandstone cliffs at the Torrey Pines Gliderport. The 20-minute hike, which does little to keep the crowds away, winds down a dirt path. Make sure to say hello to suntanned surfers and hikers walking in the opposite direction and enjoy the sights.
Scattered patches of flowerbeds are in bloom. The blue expanse of the ocean reveals itself in the distance.
Below, the trail spills into the beach and Black’s other claim to fame becomes apparent: nudists. But that’s another story, for surfers the peaks to the south are the main attraction.
Level: Expert Best Swell: Northwest, handles any and all sizes Best Season: Winter Parking: For a guide, visit: blacksbeach.org/routes.html