Ocean Beach / California / United States

Travelling south from Fort Point, you’ll still be able to behold the gloriousness of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge while trying your luck at Ocean Beach.

This area is beyond the protection of the bay, thus feeling the brunt of the Pacific Ocean. For this reason alone, here is one of the world’s most unstable breaks where surfers (and even the bravest of wind and kite surfers) try their luck upon the incessantly changing waters. This 3 mile beach can be a wave haven and other times a malevolent and gloomy green monster that few dare to venture upon.

There are two reasons for the unpredictability of Ocean Beach. First of all ocean tides push the water out from underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, which constantly morph Ocean Beach’s sand bars and swells. And, Ocean Beach is smack dab in the middle of California, thus receiving extreme weather and currents from the north and south. Surfers have the additional burden of paddling through 200 yards from the beach to the waves, which depending on swell and wind conditions, can be a nearly impossible feat. But, upon reaching the action, a good day brings waves that reach triple overhead, making for some amazing surfing. Best season is during the summer (May through August), where winds can reach up to 12 mph , which is ideal for wind and kite surfing expeditions.

Surfing is the name of the game at Ocean Beach, and not much else. It is easy to find, however, and there are hotel accommodations as well as some fast food restaurants in the area.

The force of the water here is reason enough to be cautious. At anytime of year, beginners should avoid this beach. Surfers have been killed here in the past, so good judgment and be caution is always a good idea.