Pismo Beach / California / United States

This is a good regular break that has plenty of easy beach space for beginners and also a few peaks further out that those with a bit of experience will enjoy. 

The beach is quite big, it's clean and it consists of soft sand. It's usually quite quiet area during the week, but on a weekend with decent whether it can rapidly fill up and feel crowded. Water temperatures will be around 12° C in winter, and reach around 17° C in summer.

This place is best when the wind is coming from the east and the swell is coming from the north-west, west or south-west. Watch out if the wind is strong though, as  too much will result in a close out. The swell starts working at 1 m to 1.5 m and holds up to just over 2.5 m. It is a beach break, both right and left, and close to the beach is a fun wave while a bit further out you get something a little more powerful. The length will typically range from 50 to 150 m.

Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer months. There is a campsite just a couple of hundred metres off the beach,  and if you want a bit more comfort there are a few Inns hotels in the town itself, as well as a few restaurants and bars. The pier has restrooms, and an outlet where you can buy food and drink.

Just like most of this coast, you need to be aware that there can be some strong currents, especially in the winter months.