What is there to do on California Beaches? (San Diego, August: transplants, loan)

[mt971x]

I hear California beaches are too cold to swim in, and you have to wear a suit to surf ( which I don't surf, but i suppose it would be fun to try) Do people go to the beach and actually swim in it in so cal? or do they just go just to stare at the water? I know in Miami and other parts of FL people actually swim in the water. I know CA has better scenary than FL for sure, but beach wise speaking, if you are looking to both look and swim, can you do that? Or are So Cal beaches just mostly to "look at" ?

[Clevelandgal]

people are surfing and swimming. the water is not east coast warm until summer (and never Miami warm). I am very comfortable in the ocean but have not fully immersed myself yet since living here (spouse came in August I did not come until december ) I expect to be in real soon as I cannot wait to snorkel. I would like to take a surf lesson-lets see if people have recommendations-although most of the people on here are recent or wanna-be transplants....

[bloom]

You can genrally skin swim reasonable (Pacifici from the mid to high 60s and up) from end July to Sept/Oct.

I forgot, but what is the ocean temperature per month in the Atlantic from NJ down to FL?

[oddstray]

My step-daughter took a surfing lesson from ... I think it was Surf Divas. They loaned her a board and wet suit.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Cleveland Gal,

Just go to La Jolla Shores. There is a surf shop that has lessons there right in the little downtown.
Also, there arent too many spots along the coast to learn better than LJ Shores.

[Timmyy]

LJ shores is definitely a good place to learn because the surf is generally calm there. I surfed for 15 fifteen years before I became land locked in Colorado. Whenever I visit I try to catch a few waves. Nothing quite like it in the world.

[Clevelandgal]

thanks for the surf recommendations!

[Jenkay]

Originally Posted by mt971x

I hear California beaches are too cold to swim in, and you have to wear a suit to surf ( which I don't surf, but i suppose it would be fun to try) Do people go to the beach and actually swim in it in so cal? or do they just go just to stare at the water? I know in Miami and other parts of FL people actually swim in the water. I know CA has better scenary than FL for sure, but beach wise speaking, if you are looking to both look and swim, can you do that? Or are So Cal beaches just mostly to "look at" ?

I'm generally in the water at *least* 3-4 days a week July-Sept, with either a spring suit or a surf jacket (half a spring suit that just covers your torso). The water is *usually* at least 70, and has been known to reach 75 during the summer months. It may not be as warm as on the East Coast, but I'd hardly call it "too cold to swim in"

Last year being an exception, the water never really warmed up, but last year was a weird, weird summer.

[Beware_of_Dog]

I usually take my clippers and cut my toe nails at the beach. Sometimes I ask a good looking bikini clad girl if she wouldn't mind cutting them for me. I find it is a good ice breaker when wanting to meet someone.

[RD5050]

Water temp this past week was around 64F

It gets warmer during the summer. Can hit low 70s.

Last year was an unusual summer weatherwise for San Diego, and temps were colder than usual.

But during normal summers, no need for wetsuits. Temps are fine.

Lots to do ... surfing, bodyboarding, scuba, snorkeling, etc.

San Diego has absolutely beautiful beaches, and great waves.