Surf: General: Situated north of Pismo Beach and south of Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo County, Shell Beach enjoys a little bit more exposure, and therefore more consistency. Nevertheless, it still requires a solid NW or SW swell to really start working. Comprised of a pair of reef peaks, most of the time it is mushy and user-friendly for the beginners, but as the swell fills in and the quality improves, the savvy local crew are on it. Enjoying some protection from NW winds, Shell Beach doesn’t tend to blow out as quickly as other more exposed Central California beaches. And as far as scenery and nature vibes go, Shell Beach is hard to beat. Hit it on a warm autumn day when the sun’s shining, the wind’s offshore and the surf’s pumping and you’ll enjoy an epic slice of classic California. Tides: Likes low to mid tides. Size: Waist-high to a foot overhead. Wind: N-NE, E-SE Swell: NW, SW Bottom: Rock. Paddling: When it starts pumping on a proper groundswell, be prepared to paddle in a thicker (4-mil) wetsuit. Spot Rating: A beautiful Central California beach that struggles with wave quality as it closes out the bigger it gets. More exposed than nearby Avila Beach, the right combination of swell size and tide is the key. Access: Access isn’t a problem here. Find street parking in Avila and walk down to the beach. Crowds: Crowd Factor: There is a local crew that’s on it when it’s good, but day in and day out the vibes are pretty relaxed. Local Vibe: Shell Beach enjoys pretty good vibes most of the time. Environment: Typically isn’t a concern, but caution should always be exercised after periods of heavy rain. Hazards: Cold water, occasional sharks and some scattered rocks — pretty standard concerns in Central California. And if you’re surfing close to the pier, getting tangled up in the pilings. Season: Autumn is ideal for Shell Beach, when crossed-up swells are in the water and easterly winds are more common.