Looking for a friend to go surfing with or just don’t want to go it alone? Fortunately, there are several surfing meetups and surfing groups in San Diego. Read on for the full list, where and what time they meet.
List of San Diego Surf Groups and Meetups
I’ve put together a list of surfing meetups and groups throughout San Diego from both personal experience and scouring the web. Some of these groups are social while others are more serious and require membership fees. Also, some are sanctioned through Meetup while others are run independently. What they share in common is a deep passion for surfing. Read on to find the best fit for you!
First Light Surf Club
First Light Surf Club is a social surf club that serves North County. The group meets on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 am for an early, dawn patrol session aligned with their motto: ‘In the water early, in to work on time-ish.’
The group meets in Carlsbad at Turn-a-Rounds. This surf spot is perfect for a large group since it has ample free parking in a dirt lot and the wave is a wide open beach break which allows the group to spread out. First Light Surf Club has risen in popularity so there can be as many as forty surfers in the water; another reason why they picked a good spot for a large group.
There are no fees to join this group so anyone is welcome to show up on any given day. You can follow the groups activity more closely on Instagram, handle @firstlightsurfclub >> This fun group kicks the morning off with free coffee before jumping in the water. It’s also not uncommon for Degree 33 Surfboards to sponsor a free demo morning with the group.
Meetup: San Diego Beginning-Intermediate Surfing
This free San Diego surf meetup is primarily for beginner and intermediate surfers. They meet primarily at La Jolla Shores which is a perfect, easy wave for new surfers. This group doesn’t always meet regularly so check out their meetup page to message the group organizer for dates and details on their next paddle out.
Meetup: Learn how to Surf in San Diego
This meetup sponsored surf group meets regularly to help surfers of all levels improve their surfing skills. Check out the surf schedule on their meetup page as the groups are typically divided by ability level.
The instructor is experience and lifeguard certified. However, this is a paid event so if you are looking for something free – try checking out another group.
Meetup: San Diego Ladies Surf Meet Up
This welcoming surf meetup is for females only! If you are looking for a group of female surfers to connect with in the ocean, then this group is for you.
Their group name is Wavehuggers and is led by experienced, female instructors who are all CPR certified. This is also a paid surfing group so join their page for details on the next meetup!
Pacific Beach Surf Club
This is not a San Diego surfing meetup but rather a social surf club.
The Pacific Beach Surf Club holds monthly club meetings, occasional surf clinics, holiday parties, special events, surf trips, donate to local charities, and they even host two annual surf contests at Tourmaline Surfing Park: The Summer Longboard Classic in June.
This club is made up of surfers from all skill levels to don’t be afraid to hop. To be in the know for this San Diego surf club, there is an annual fee but it’s only $40/year.
Windansea Surf Club
The Windansea Surf Club is an advanced surf club so it’s not for everyone. In fact, you need to get an invite to join and demonstrate a certain level of surfing ability.
If you do get in the club, they participate in surf contests all the time. It’s no surprise, their home break is Windansea.
Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club
If you are a longboarder in North County, you are going to love the Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club. This club contributes to the local Oceanside community by promoting youth surfing, preserving surfing culture and history and coastal conservation.
They sponsor events and surf sessions with other clubs throughout San Diego. Anyone can be a member but it is $50/year.
Facebook: San Diego Surfing Community
This last group of surfers in San Diego is actually a Facebook community. You can get local information, news and places to buy/trade gear in San Diego. Oftentimes, I see group members posting to ask or organize a surf meetup with other locals in San Diego.
So if you are new to the area or simply looking for someone to surf with, it’s a good place to ask.
Why is the Surf Community in San Diego Important?
Surfing is a very individual sport but it doesn’t have to be.
The surf community in San Diego is vital for both locals and visitors alike. San Diego’s vibrant surf culture not only shapes the city’s identity but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner catching your first wave, there should be a welcoming atmosphere among surfers.
The community plays a crucial role in sharing local knowledge about the best surf spots, ensuring that everyone can make the most of their surfing experience. From sharing tips on wave conditions to organizing beach clean-ups, the surf community in San Diego is a tight-knit group that values both the sport and the environment.
Being part of the surf community in San Diego means connecting with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the ocean and riding waves. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, make new friends, or simply enjoy the laid-back beach lifestyle, surfing meetups in San Diego are the perfect place to make that happen. So, grab your board, join the community, and experience the magic of surfing in San Diego!
