Planning two weeks thru Oregon and Cali in May

[Kulharin]

Planning a two week surf trip with a side order of mountain biking, driving down from the BC interior mid May. I'd consider myself an intermediate surfer.

I've spent some time on the Washington coast and went as far south as Oswald state park in Oregon. I have an idea of places I'd like to visit and may go as far south as Santa Barbara if there is still west swell by then.

For allocating time though, is there anywhere on the coastal road you'd recommend spending more than a day or two? Places you really love for surf or maybe mountain biking... or places that are overrated and worth skipping?

Thanks

 

[Mr Doof]

1. Jetties are your friends, but am sure you know this already. Sometimes near various creeks and sea stacks can be fun, but all the great spots are well known.

2. Went mtb-ing with Josh, John, and whatshisname in Reedsport hills when in college. Forest service roads/logging roads to trails during the week for the win, but am sure this sort of stuff is already well known to you. Would guess there are actual mtb trails now.

3. Can't think of overrated spots (except on weekends when numbers change the equations).

4. Good luck, be sure to come back and brag.

 

[Duffy LaCoronilla]

Mid May?

Youll be mountain biking way more than surfing.

 

[Kulharin]

Why is that? Not enough swell usually? Too much wind? I can mountain bike most of the year around where I live so surfing is more the priority.

Would September be a better idea?

 

[ULUSURFER]

Why is that? Not enough swell usually? Too much wind? I can mountain bike most of the year around where I live so surfing is more the priority.

Would September be a better idea?

Way better idea. May sucks for surf

 

[sdsrfr]

Would September be a better idea?

night and day better.

not worth checking surf in may but can probably paddle out any day of september with the right craft depending where you are.

 

[Kulharin]

In terms of May vs Sept, you're talking about the whole west coast from Washington to Cali? Or more so central California?

On Vancouver island May and Sept are usually pretty similar for surf conditions. I also read Santa Barbara needs west swell.

 

[ULUSURFER]

In terms of May vs Sept, you're talking about the whole west coast from Washington to Cali? Or more so central California?

On Vancouver island May and Sept are usually pretty similar for surf conditions. I also read Santa Barbara needs west swell.

The entire west coast basically sucks in May. It’s windy, water is freezing from upwelling, and there is not much swell.

The fall and winter is far better and September is a prime month for west coast surfing.

 

[Bob Dobbalina]

The entire west coast basically sucks in May. It’s windy, water is freezing from upwelling, and there is not much swell.

The fall and winter is far better and September is a prime month for west coast surfing.

Correct

 

[Kulharin]

Cool. Is there a "point of no return" on the coast, where it's worth going to if I've already driven so far south?

Basically I can take take my time throughout Washington and Oregon then head back. Or try to hustle quicker for central cali... something like that?

 

[hammies]

May is onshore time, it's usually blown out in just about all parts of California. Keep your surf expectations low and you'll have a great trip!

 

[Kulharin]

I postponed trip until early Sept, sounds like a better plan.

 

[SeaFoamGreen]

May/June can be two of my favorite months round here. Off course it can suck at any time including September, but nothing like March typically does.