If the good people of Bolinas had their way, the quirky coastal town wouldn’t appear on any maps—and the highway marker that the locals routinely take down would never be replaced. But they can’t hide the fact that the town is a cool place to hang out, with a funky and endearing community vibe. Bolinas is a great day-trip destination any season, but if you’re a beginning surfer, winter is the time: January storms make its waves ideal for longboarding newbies. According to Nick Kreiger, program director for Bolinas Surf Lessons, recent conditions have produced “perfect” waves. Rent wet suits ($10) and booties ($5) at 2 Mile Surf Shop; they’ll also give you an hour-and-a-half private lesson Friday through Sunday for $105, including equipment. When the weather heats up, they offer group lessons seven days a week for $65 with equipment. Toes on the nose!
Bolinas Surf Lessons and 2 Mile Surf Shop, 22 Brighton Ave., Bolinas; 415-868-0264.
Information: To get to Bolinas, take the first left after Stinson Beach onto Olema-Bolinas Road. Follow that road all the way into town, turn left onto Horseshoe Hill Rd., then right onto Brighton Ave. The two best surfing spots in Bolinas are the inside part of the Patch and the Channel. The inside Patch attracts more beginners and is best at mid-to-high tide. The Channel lies at the mouth of the Bolinas lagoon; the waves are best here when the tide’s heading in. Park on Brighton Ave. near the tennis courts and walk to the beach. The Channel is just a little ways to the left, the Patch the same distance to the right.
TIP: Warm yourself at the Coast Café with a bowl of their chowder or a Niman Ranch burger. Vegans will love the gardener’s pie, made with organic vegetables and vegan gravy. Chase it all down with a Fat Tire and you’re good to go.
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