Pacifica is home to some of San Francisco Bay Area’s best surfing beaches. One of the most popular beginner surfing spots is Linda Mar State Beach, a mile-long stretch just north of Pedro Point. It’s very picturesque and somewhat protected from the wind. The break here is usually fairly forgiving and on a nice weekend the beach can attract a fair number of novice surfers. However, Linda Mar can also produce a fun and challenging wave with a bigger swell. The outer peaks tend to be the best shaped and often produce the longest rides. Best boards: Longboard and Funshape.
Another popular surfing destination is Rockaway Beach, which is not ideal for beginners and should be explored by those that are, at the very least, intermediate surfers. This alcove beach is one mile north of Linda Mar with much heavier waves and it is surrounded by rocks that create an alcove where water rushes out and forms rip tides. The good news is that rip currents make for an easy paddle out, though the south side of the beach can trap beginners between increasingly higher waves, cliffs and rip currents. To avoid getting pounded by white water, it’s advised that you have strong swimming and smart navigating skills. Sharks and fisherman alike are attracted to these shallow waters due to an abundance of bunkers. Whales are also present.
Rockaway Beach and Sharp Park Beach are not for beginners. These two beaches are considered advanced due to the strong rips and big swells.
Pacifica is also home to a variety of surfing contests, including World Dog Surfing in August, the Kahuna Kapuna in August and The Big Chill in October.