I have shot surfing all over San Diego County, meeting surfers from all the breaks. So which spot has the best vibe? Well, in my opinion….

…the most important thing to know when shooting surf is where NOT TO SHOOT! San Diego has its share of spots where the locals work hard to keep it local. Some of these spots may surprise you as they are hardly secret and even have parking lots right near the break. These include: The #%$$&, S@#S$&(^^@ and *% to name a few. (You didn’t really think I would spell them out, did you?)

Some spots cater to short boarders due to the steepness and hollowness of the waves. Some spots cater to logs due to the long, gentle rides. And of course, there are those spots where longboards and short boarders are found in the same lineup. The vibe in the water and on the sand differers drastically at each of these locations.

When a good swell hits our shores, I find that nothing quite matches the excitement of Blacks. It certainly gets crowded and one quickly learns who has the chops to take off on the biggest sets. Yet, everyone else is watching and watching intently. There may be claimed waves as well as broken boards, but everyone appreciates a well surfed wave, especially if it includes a standup barrel. There is a respect and appreciation that is shared by all who are there and that is a great vibe.

But when it comes to “vibe,” I would have to say the folks at Tourmaline rule. There are more nicknames for the crew here than I can even remember and when you roll down the hill to the parking lot, it’s like going back in time to place where the pace is slower, the boards are longer and the coolest cars in the lot are older than I am.

The crew here is always an interesting mix with familiarity being the top ingredient. From beginners to sponsored surfers, everyone can find their wave without a lot of negative attitude. They respect my efforts to capture cool images and take the time to send messages of thanks for the captures. So for me, the Tourmaline crowd wins the best vibe award! See you down there!