Classes are a great way to learn the basics of surfing. (Photo credit: Brett Shoaf) RELATED LINKS Return to San Diego City Guide

No activity is more emblematic of the Southern California lifestyle than catching waves on a surfboard, and the San Diego area harbors a particularly vibrant surf culture — so much so that local surf-shop owner Donna Frye narrowly missed being elected as a write-in candidate in the November 2004 mayoral election.

If you already know how to surf, by all means plan to rent a board and head for the beach while you're in town. If you've never surfed before, consider signing up for lessons with the San Diego Surfing Academy, a professional surf school endorsed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation that has been operating since 1995.

As a state park concessionaire, the academy offers surf camps and private lessons year-round at South Carlsbad State Beach, a two-mile stretch of soft sand about half an hour north of San Diego. Wet suits and boards are provided. The school is fully bonded and insured, and all instructors have obtained Red Cross certification in life saving, CPR and first aid.

More information about the academy is available online at www.surfsdsa.com, or call 800-447-SURF or 760-230-1474 to schedule lessons. For condition reports and listings of local surf shops, visit www.surfingsandiego.com.