I never had problems at San Onofre, but it's been a few years since I spent any time there (used to drive down the coast for meetings and would stop in). This

I never had problems at San Onofre, but it's been a few years since I spent any time there (used to drive down the coast for meetings and would stop in). This site seems to have some decent notes: http://www.thesurfingsite.com/Surf-Spots-Southern-California.html http://www.thesurfingsite.com/Surf-Spots-Southern-California... One thought - if you are a beginner or just starting out, don't paddle in with where the crowds are if you can help it. Find a spot a bit away that has waves suitable for the type of surfing you are trying (long board, short board). A long board will let you catch smaller (even junkier) waves easier.