Hi:

I'd love to hit the water (being a beginner, I mean that literally) at dawn for an hour or two before work in the next couple days. The only place I'm familiar with is Linda Mar, which apparently is awful at low tide - is that awful for everyone, or just for those who know what they're doing? Is there anywhere in San Mateo that does ok for a beginner on a 9' board at low tide?

Thanks-

Sandy

Sandy, well, you're correct, Linda Mar definitely is not the best place to surf on a low low tide. Tomorrow and the next couple mornings there are negative low tides around 6 Am or so...so it's not going to be great out there. But...for just going out and have fun, you can certainly still do that. Especially if you're just catching white water waves and riding them straight in. If you're doing that, it shouldn't matter...maybe hold off until 8 AM or so if possible to let the tide fill in a tiny bit and go make the most of it!

One thing the Stokemaster himself has always said that I think rings true is, as long as the conditions are safe for you, go out there and make the most of it! Even if the waves are terrible, you'll still be getting exercise and building up your paddling muscles.

For future reference, though, the ideal situation for most of the San Mateo breaks in my opinion is a medium tide or so.

Thanks for the input! I'll give it a shot - could definitely use the paddling.

Sandy

Oddly enough, my 'Guide to Surfing California' gives low tide as the best time for LM. Go figure :/