Surfing Photos

Oceano Beach in Grover Beach is where people go to get away from the crowds near the pier. Oceano is known for dolphins, and generally larger waves than Pismo Beach pier. A popular longboard spot with the 40+ crew, a local longboard club holds a surf contest in Oceano, usually around Labor Day in early September. Oceano State Beach surfing's best attribute is its easy parking. Paddling is a fact of life at this beach but for the effort, you have it all to yourself most the time. Parking is most always available and for those who like to socialize, there's a good vibe for beach parties as the sun goes down. Firewood is sold near the beach and bonfires can be created right on the beach--you don't need a fire pit, just dig a hole.

Pismo Beach surfing is something that's done more often than discussed. Locals on the Central California coast tend to be out there enjoying the ocean and surfing day after day. They're a hearty group and generally wear wetsuits. Nearby Pismo Beach Pier to the north is the hub of local surfing, but parking at Grover Beach - Oceano State Recreational Vehicle park offers easier parking year round. Contests are staged regularly.  1,250 feet long, The Pismo Beach pier is lit at night, for full-moon sessions. In the lee of Point San Luis and San Luis Obispo Bay, the pier is in a slight northwest swell shadow, so it's usually smaller and less windy than the more exposed sandbars down around Oceano, but bigger than the Avila Beach area to the north.  Surfing at  Pismo Beach pier is comparable to Huntington Beach pier surfing.

Pismo's south side is usually better than the north with rights sometimes forming on the south side. The beach faces southwest with gentle slopes and softer waves than, Jalama Beach or Morro Rock.

Ability level: beginner and up.
Best season late spring, summer and fall

Surf shops:
Moondoggies Beach Club at 781 Dolliver St., 805-773-1995
Pancho's Surf Shop at 181 Pomeroy Ave., 805-773-7100
Pismo Beach Surf Shop at 231 Pomeroy Ave., 805-773-0134