Guys,

Looking at a trip with the family around California in April next year. Going to have three days travelling down from San Francisco to LA. Looking for any suggestions on a place / places to stay to break up the trip and take the opportunity to get out and get some waves and flat water runs.

Also any suggestions on the best place to hire a board from would be great.

Thanks, Doug.

Definetly Santa Cruz, Wardell Creek for starters, don't forget your wetsuit the water is freezing

For flat water, you can hire boards in the marina at Santa Barbara and you can also get waves along the open beach sometimes.

Traveling down highway 1 you can find a lot of places to sup/surf, depending on swell en direction surf can be realy good to average.
North of Santa Barbara is a lot colder, you need a 3 or 4 mm suit, more south a 2 or 3 mm wil do.
famous places like Steamers lane (Santa cruz) ventura, Malibu can give you crowds with attitude , lots of places where there's a more mellow vibe.
have fun

Morro Bay, lots of nice places to stay, a big flat water bay, and several wave spots with in minutes of travel. There are also boards to rent there.
You've already heard about the water temp, but April can also be windy in the afternoons, good for kiting or WS'ing.

If adventurous, the drive from Santa Cruz down through Monterey, and the Big Sur area will blow your mind, there are also some great SUPing spots there, but you'll need to do some Big Sur research to find them, there will be no crowds, but magical conditions. Take your camera.

Pismo beach is also lovely. Cool little surf town, beautiful jetty and good accom. Have fun its a great coastal drive. X

If you end up at Santa Monica/Venice Beach look up Tim @ Paddle Method in the marina - Marina Del Ray
www.paddlemethod.com

Great flat water paddle in the marina,Tim and the boys are full on into sup,plenty of boards & paddles to hire-enjoy !!!

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Appreciate the feedback.

The water temps should be mild this winter because of El Nino but keep in mind that the water starts getting warmer south of Point Conception.

Stay in Monterey or Carmel - ride Asilomar and Carmel beaches. Great seafood at the Sea Harvest - ww1.seaharvestfish.com