Possible San Onofre surf trip

[JTS]

I’m hoping that some of the Jamboards crew with knowledge/experience with the San O , San Clemente area can give me some guidance .
My wife has a sister in Laguna we plan to visit in May. She said if I want to extend the trip a week or so to surf it was cool
So I was thinking it might be a good opportunity to see and surf the San O area
Is May a decent time of year for San O? Suggestions on where to stay nearby? Board suggestions, rentals etc. Wetsuit recommendations How early do you need to get there to get in the lot ?
Other tips or areas I should look to surf?,we are both over 62 was looking at that Golden Bear pass to save $
Ive been surfing since 77, used to travel to Central America a few times a year but since Covid and retirement I’ve stayed local surfing East Coast (OBX)
Not looking to get big waves, just a chance to surf some fun waves
Thanks for any help y’all can offer
Jim

 

[Ricksurfin]

SanO has surfable waves pretty much year round, and there is almost always something to surf . May isn’t known to produce big swells as the storms up north are diminishing and the south hasn’t really woken up yet
Golden Bear pass is a great deal and is good until almost Memorial Day. Much cheaper then paying the $15 daily entry fee. Best to get there before 7:00 on weekdays to avoid a line, while weekends are a crapshoot but early is best.
Not sure on lodging options, but as far as board rentals, Stewart Surfboards does them.
As far as wetsuits go, what size do you wear? I have mediums you are more then willing to borrow.
Let me know if I can be of any help to you. I can show you around the different breaks at SanO, introduce you to some people, and guarantee you some waves.
Rick

 

[mightyrime]

As far as May who knows... but generally even if San O is not at its prime it can still be a fun cruisy 2' wave. I would say a 3/2 wetsuit would be fine. For San O unless its bigger you for sure want a longboard as its a slopey classic longboard wave. San O sits between San Clemente and Oceanside so you need to stay in one of those places unless you plan on camping. San Clemente is much closer but more expensive than Oceanside. There are a few places in San Clemente that rent boards. If you want to PM me i can give you more exacts. San Clemente itself can be fun to surf as well. There is Salt Creek, Doheney, and T Stret all which have cams on surfline. Also there are numerous breaks within the San O area especially if you consider the whole park, But Old Mans, and the Point are the classic ones you probably know of.
Biggest challenge now in San O is crowds. The lot has limited parking. So you need to get there early, or you will wait. If its a weekend and the surf is good you will wait a long time.

 

[dingdong]

Ricks got you covered for San O, I love the carlsbad/encinitas area as well..it's just little under an hour's drive for you from Laguna, I would recommend spending a day or two down there not just for surf (some fun spots) but for some good views and food as well

 

[Proper_Mode]

Are you a military veteran by chance?

 

[JTS]

Thanks for the help.
I appreciate the offers Rick and Mightyrime, I will definitely reach out as we get the trip more defined. I’m looking into lodging right now
Proper Mode, no I’m not a veteran,
Jim

 

[Glide&Flow]

Let me know if I can be of any help to you. I can show you around the different breaks at SanO, introduce you to some people, and guarantee you some waves.
Rick

The world needs more Ricks.

Jealous of your SanO trip. Not jealous of the most annoying rock walk of all time.

 

[mightyrime]

F

The world needs more Ricks.

Jealous of your SanO trip. Not jealous of the most annoying rock walk of all time.

Funny I often say the most difficult part of surfing San o is getting out on a lower tide, I get a foot cut about 25 percent of the time.

 

[Ricksurfin]

F

Funny I often say the most difficult part of surfing San o is getting out on a lower tide, I get a foot cut about 25 percent of the time.

Reef booties if I’m wearing a full suit. Cut feet if I’m in a spring. I know guys that wear super thin little booties like fin socks, and once out take them off and tuck them in their wetsuit. I’m not that smart, lol.

 

[Spiritofyouth88]

I’ve definitely thought of rocking some booties with my spring suit at San O. Always drive away with slices all over my feet. Either way, there is something very fun about San O. A little surf haven.