Where can I learn to kiteboard in San Francisco?

Good place to learn how to surf near San Francisco?

• I live in San Francisco (the richmond district) and recently bought a surf board that was explained to be good for a beginner. Does anyone know a good place to start? Thanks.

• Answer:

  Ocean Beach (most convenient for you) and Stinson Beach in Marin are probably the 2 most famous surfing spots in the area and are both world famous. Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz is also really well known, but it's pretty far out of the way just to learn. I'd say go for Ocean Beach... easy to get to, long rolling waves. You can find updates for best surf times (based on tide charts) somewhere online, surely. If you're concerned about riptides, the trick is to pick a very high point and look at the beach before going down to it - pay attention to where the waves are going/what the tide is doing and pick the safest spot. This is especially easy if you're surfing the Northern half... just go up to the Cliff House and look over everything.