STORY:

Living where everyone vacations means I get to paddle in the best spots year-round. My all-time favorite SUP spot has to be La Jolla Cove. Not only are there beautiful caves you can paddle through but it’s also home to some of the best animal sightings anywhere around. Dolphins, turtles, seals, and did I mention … SHARKS! Okay, so they’re only leopard sharks, but it’s still pretty magnificent to see these slender creatures swimming under your board.

Before heading out to the beach, always check the tide and swell. If you want to go into the caves, be sure that tide is low with minimal to no swell — the waves, especially during higher tides, will crash pretty hard into the caves, so just be cautious.)

Choose a calm spot to launch, I typically like to walk toward the cliffs (if looking out toward the water, walk to the left). Once in the water and past the break, it is smooth sailing from there! I like to paddle along the cliff side, this is where you can find most of the cove’s spectacular creatures. There are always kayak tours talking place over here too. Everyone is super friendly and they will guide you to the best spots. There are a few caves that you can paddle through but my favorite is right before Seal Beach. This cave goes all the way through like a tunnel, so you can exit easily.

La Jolla Shores is such a fun place to paddle, but don’t just take my word for it! See you out on the water!

Pro Tips:

• Get there early to avoid the rush! If the parking lot is a zoo you can park on the side streets and walk to the beach from there.
• Be sure not to get too close to the seals … they are very protective!