About Sonoma County Surf Travel
North of Marin lies the bucolic Sonoma coast — also not a prime surfing destination, but a special place, nonetheless. Bodega Bay serves as a western gateway to some of the most renowned wine country in the world. Unfortunately, the surf in Sonoma County doesn’t compare to the quality of its vintages. There are only four towns on the entire Sonoma coast, in between which lie miles and miles of either inaccessible and/or unsurfable beaches. There is a jewel or two, but these are really only ridden and scored by the locals.
Sonoma County Surf Crowds:
Population is not a dominating factor in this area since there’s so much coast, but the key spots do become crowded when they’re on. The choice breaks are few and far between, so guys tend to congregate when the conditions are in alignment. Be nice to everyone and wait your turn, especially since most spots have a small take-off zone. Localism rears its head at many spots, so don’t bring a crowd or colorful wetsuit.
Sonoma County Surf Hazards:
As they lie within the boundary of the official Red Triangle (Santa Cruz to the Farallon Islands to Bodega Bay), Marin and Sonoma counties are shark central. This coast has lots of rocks, seaweed and places for seals and sea lions to hang around, so the sharks know where to go. Unfortunately, the best surf is where most of the sea life exists, so every session can be seen as a roll of the dice.
Best Surf Seasons in Sonoma County:
1) Fall
The best time for scoring clean surf and sunny skies. Early on in the season, chances are that the small surf of summer will be lingering. Fall can also see some gnarly winter-like storms, with 20-foot waves and heavy rainfall. The prevailing winds are usually the lightest this time of year, so if you’re going to visit lower Northern California at all, come during the months of September through November.
2) Winter
Heavy-duty weather and waves, frequently reaching 25 feet and bigger, accompanied with 50-knot south winds and horizontal rain. If you want to see some crazy conditions, go ahead and visit this area in the winter. If you’re looking to practice tailslides on your new shortboard, wait for summer or fall.
3) Summer
Summer, as with the rest of Northern California, sucks for surfing. Too foggy, too junky, too small and too damn packed with pasty tourists. The water’s colder, too, thanks to the upwelling that follows the merciless springtime winds. As a rule, the more exposed beachbreaks are the call from June through August.
4) Spring
Another crummy time for this area. Endless spells of stiff, cold north wind and big, junky surf. Frigid water from upwelling. Gorgeous scenery and millions of blooming wildflowers, poor surf. Great hiking, however, and a nice time to visit if you’re into the tourist thing. Bottom line is, bring the girlfriend or boyfriend if you’re coming during the spring because you won’t do much surfing.