Author Topic: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing  (Read 4040 times)

dtmfcc

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Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« on: September 02, 2014, 01:15:45 PM »
Just bought a Hammer from Standup Paddle Sports in Santa Barbara.  They took us to a little beach right by the SB Harbor.  Before this, we've been to Channel Islands Oxnard, a little bit at Carpinteria which worked well , and intend to try Ventura Harbor and venture into the ocean there.  I'm comfortable on the ocean, but not loving having to fight through big (to me) waves to get there.

I'm 57, never surfed before, and want to find some places with a very gentle break, so that it's easy to enter the ocean and just paddle around.  We live in Simi Valley, so anywhere north to Santa Barbara is great, and south to wherever would be good.

Ideas welcome! And thanks!

Deborah

supsnork

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Re: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2014, 08:25:02 PM »
Look up rental shops or lessons and see where they launch from, they are usually the easiest spots in the area. 

Also check surfline before you go out, the break can depend on the day, it is not always accurate, but if the area is at 1-2 feet you're probably fine, if it is 3-5 watch out (usually the mistake is on the predicting higher surf than there really is side).  If you get familiar with one spot and check it against surfline when you go, you can get a sense of what the surf really is like and then surfline becomes more useful.

stoneaxe

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Re: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2014, 08:41:02 PM »
In addition to the usual safety precautions make sure you always know what weather is expected in the next few hours before you go out. Heavy offshore winds could ruin your day.....or even a Christmas Eve...... ;)
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RATbeachrider

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Re: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« Reply #3 on: September 04, 2014, 07:40:54 PM »
South Los Angeles in the Palos Verdes Peninsula is a good early morning to about noon trip along the cliff/reef/rock coastline.  Free parking at the lot above RAT Beach.  Easy walk down to the beach.  Waves most of the time are in the knee high zone at launch sandy beach.  Prevailing winds is southwest after 11 am turning more to west in the afternoon. 

dtmfcc

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Re: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« Reply #4 on: September 04, 2014, 09:37:16 PM »
Thanks for all the good ideas.

SlatchJim

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Re: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2014, 09:26:19 AM »
There are a number of very kid friendly (read no surf usually), sandy, easy entry beaches between Santa Barbara and Carpinteria that I've seen a number of paddlers enter from.  One we go to for an easy tour is butterfly beach, near the Four Seasons, with free on street parking and just a few stairs to the sand. Take Olive Mill Rd. which becomes Channel Drive and then Butterfly Lane.  Total Lottery House neighborhood, but one can dream and paddle for free.



Summerland has a nice beach park (Lookout Park) and a path down to the water.  Get off at Evans and head toward the ocean and it's all good from there. 

Carpinteria has a nice parking lot near the beach with good availability on most non summer weekends (or summer before 11).  You could launch safely there and paddle north toward summerland for a wonderful coastal cruise.  Take Linden ave exit and the lot is on your left.

Watch the surf reports.  A north west or west swell can throw some surf toward these spots so be careful.

JayInSoCal

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Re: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« Reply #6 on: September 10, 2014, 11:21:20 AM »
Diver's Cove in Laguna Beach.  The beach all the way to the north by the rocks is fairly protected, however don't go on a big swell day.  The water is amazingly clear and the coastal views are great.  There are lots of little coves to explore and tons of marine life.  It's like paddling in an aquarium. 
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Bulky

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Re: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« Reply #7 on: September 16, 2014, 12:27:07 PM »
My local is Goleta Beach Park.  Even on the biggest days, the shorebreak there isn't big enough to surf.  UCSB/Campus point blocks most of the swell so you can have a nice paddle around there and, even though you don't want to surf, heading out to the point is a pretty mellow place to start.

Less wind earlier in the day.
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anonsurfer

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Re: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« Reply #8 on: September 16, 2014, 02:00:07 PM »
Goleta Beach and Campus Point would be my recommendations too if you are in that area.  Go Gauchos!
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SaMoSUP

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Re: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« Reply #9 on: November 07, 2014, 05:07:09 PM »
What's a good route to tour around Butterfly Beach? Any waves to play around? Go north or south? Is there a shower on the beach?


There are a number of very kid friendly (read no surf usually), sandy, easy entry beaches between Santa Barbara and Carpinteria that I've seen a number of paddlers enter from.  One we go to for an easy tour is butterfly beach, near the Four Seasons, with free on street parking and just a few stairs to the sand. Take Olive Mill Rd. which becomes Channel Drive and then Butterfly Lane.  Total Lottery House neighborhood, but one can dream and paddle for free.



Summerland has a nice beach park (Lookout Park) and a path down to the water.  Get off at Evans and head toward the ocean and it's all good from there. 

Carpinteria has a nice parking lot near the beach with good availability on most non summer weekends (or summer before 11).  You could launch safely there and paddle north toward summerland for a wonderful coastal cruise.  Take Linden ave exit and the lot is on your left.

Watch the surf reports.  A north west or west swell can throw some surf toward these spots so be careful.

Zooport

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Re: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« Reply #10 on: November 08, 2014, 10:09:55 AM »
Diver's Cove in Laguna Beach.  The beach all the way to the north by the rocks is fairly protected, however don't go on a big swell day.  The water is amazingly clear and the coastal views are great.  There are lots of little coves to explore and tons of marine life.  It's like paddling in an aquarium. 

Great place to SCUBA dive too!  That was one of my go-to spots when I was diving. 
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Zooport

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Re: Beginner ocean spots for paddling not surfing
« Reply #11 on: November 08, 2014, 10:13:26 AM »
Faria Beach Park is a great, mellow place with easy access.  I used to surf there when I lived in Thousand Oaks as a teenager.  http://www.ventura.org/beach-front-parks/faria-beach-park
« Last Edit: November 08, 2014, 10:29:06 AM by Zooport »
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