Surfing Del Mar Beaches
Surfers enjoy intermediate right and left beach breaks from the river mouth south to 15th Street. Among the favored spots are between 19th and 25th Streets. The River mouth is known to produce some good waves when the swells are rolling in from the northwest. South of 15th Street reef breaks attract a fair number of surfers.
Conditions change when the Santa Ana Wind is blowing. Rather than being pushed from the behind, the waves hit the off-shore blowing Santa Ana wind head-on and rise up with magnificent, clean faces and then barrels that sweep toward shore and finally crash all at once with an ominous crack.
Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.
Torrey Pines Beach Surfing
At Torrey Pines Beach surfers hook up with right and left beach breaks over a sandy bottom. Rides are often short except at the river mouth where under the right conditions long rides are the rule. Although not too busy during the week, it can get somewhat crowded on the weekends. Expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Surfing is usually best in the summer and the winter.
Black's Beach Surfing
Known as one of the best surfing spots on the coast, Black's Beach attracts a dedicated crowd of surfers who don't mind the difficult access. It is not a place for beginners or even intermediates. Scripps' Canyon offshore generates big swells that rush toward the beach, producing A-frame and hollow waves that can divide at various angles. Waves often rise to 15 feet.
Black's Beach
Surf Lessons and Camps
Del Mar Surf School
Private or small group lessons. Surfboard and wetsuit provided. Beginner and intermediate lessons. Weekly summer surf camps at 22nd Street Beach in Del Mar. Open to ages 6 and older. Three to one student to instructor ratio. Camps run from mid-June through late-August with morning or afternoon sessions.
Del Mar Surf School
Menehune Surf
Lesson for everyone from beginners to advanced surfers at La Jolla. Menehune Surf Camps at Del Mar Beach for ages 5 to 17. Groups limited to 8-10 participants with two First Aid and CPR certified instructors who are experienced working with children. Half-day camps and full-day camps available. Week-long camps begin in June and continue through August.
Menehune Surf
Fulcrum Surf School
Fulcrum Surf School offers summer camps at Del Mar Beach at 15th Street from June 15 through August 29. Choose either a morning or afternoon session. Their student to instructor ratio is 2:1. Foam surfboards and wetsuits are provided. They also have private and group lessons.
Fulcrum Surf School Summer Camps
Surfboard and Paddleboard Rentals
Del Mar Surf Rentals
Rentals of surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, body boards, wetsuits, beach chairs and umbrellas, beach tents, and everything else you might want for a day on the beach.
Located in the Seagrove Parking Lot right across the street from 15th St. Beach in Del Mar, CA
Rusty Del Mar Surf Shop
Rentals of soft surfboards, demo surfboards, boogie boards, and wetsuits.
201 15th Street, Del Mar, CA
Rusty Del Mar Surf Shop
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Surfing Dogs
The Helen Woodward Animal Center sponsors a number of dog surfing activities during the year. Events help to support their programs at the Animal Center. Among their most popular event is their annual Surf Dog Surf-a-thon! to be held this year September TBA, 2023 at - of course - Del Mar's Dog Beach.
Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-a-thon!
Surf Dog Lessons
Presented by the Helen Woodward Animal Center, Surf Dogs Surf Lessons are a great way to have fun with your dog at the beach. Lessons include beginners Intro to Ocean and Surf Class and GromMUTT Dog Surf Lessons. Offered at dates in June, July, and August at Dog Beach.
Surf Dog Surf Lessons
