Drive up Highway One from SF for 3.5 hours. Turn left when you get to Point Arena, CA population 420. Drive down to the pier and find some parking. If there's no surf then grab a burger upstairs at the bar.
Sure, there's some tweakers here, just like anywhere in rural (and urban) America. For the most part, people here are really cool. Remember that this is a poor (unless your a farmer), rural area and a small town--don't be flashy or bring a lot of aggro attitude when you visit/surf. If you're a reasonably competent, mellow, and friendly surfer, locals will usually tolerate you and will even occasionally reward you with inside knowledge of other spots, smoke you out, etc. Not common, but it's happened to me more than once. Heavy waves from here northward during winter--respect to the chargers who live here. Thanks Mendo locals for sharing your waves and the beautiful place you live in.
comment by local non-surfer, 2006-10-05 04:54:56
local nonsurfer
Hmmm...strange. I don't surf but do hang out at the Cove a bit. From the Cove Restaurant upstairs everyone gets a good full view of the parking lot and I've never seen any breaking and entering. I don't notice a lot of break-ins at Point Arena Cove in the sheriff's log, so they must not be reporting them. Escalade Boy- people in Mendo hate luxury SUVs as being aggressively materialistic. The only reason to drive an SUV is to get over mudslides, etc., in which case you don't want leather seats and white carpet and chrome everywhere. Otherwise, you are just a gas-guzzling show-off You absolutely cannot gage a local's income by his or her wheels. Glad you all can pick out the pot farmers from the non-growers; they all look alike to me. Yes, there are a couple of local assholes, like anywhere, but I know a lot of people who surf there and never have a problem as long as they are respectful and skilled enough to stay out of the way. If you are an unskilled neophyte with a fancy car and a big attitude, then by all means the locals will give you a hard time.
comment by Billy Shears, 2006-09-27 05:52:50
PA is not trestles
Parents moved there. followed them from SAnta Cruz. Colder. Heavier. More consistent. Scott Creek meets NAtural Brigdges. Married local N. Coast girl. Left. Hawaii to LA back to SC. Best waves were there in PA. You are either in or out. The North coast is a lifestyle not an Orange county fashion statment. If you are afraid of PA locals then you really have no business in the ocean. It's heavier
comment by Anonymous, 2007-11-21 03:34:30