Southern California Surfing

Architect Douglas Austin, chairman/CEO and designer with AVRP Skyport, has come to the forefront as a leader in the success of San Diego, California’s downtown area. A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited professional, he played a key role in San Diego’s Center City Development Corporation when San Diego was experiencing its greatest period of growth. Aside from his work as an architect, Douglas Austin also enjoys surfing Southern California beaches.

Some of the most popular and exciting surf breaks in the world are located in Southern California. The Lower Trestles in San Clemente is home to swells that provide both right and left breaks thanks to the shape of the offshore reef. Some of the world’s best surfers can be found there, and Trestles is the location of professional surfing contests such as the World Qualifying Series and the World Championship Tour.

Some of the best and most experienced surfers are also found at La Jolla’s Blacks Beach, where waves race up the underwater Scripps Canyon to create a powerful break that poses dangers to the beginner or intermediate surfer. Likewise, The Wedge at Newport Beach offers similar large, powerful breaks that are beautiful but dangerous to the inexperienced.

A more mellow surf spot is Doheny State Beach, at nearby Dana Point. This beach offers good longboard breaks, thanks to a rocky bottom that perfectly shapes the waves as they roll in. Popularized by the Beach Boys back in the 1960s, Doheny has earned a reputation for being one of the best places to learn how to surf in SoCal.