Surfing at Dawn: Starting the Morning Off Right
Early morning surfing in Carlsbad, known by surfers as “dawn patrol”, is so special that they jump out of bed early in the morning and rush to the waves. With the sun peaking over the horizon and the colorful hues painting the sky, it’s no wonder why surfers ditch getting extra Z’s for some time in the salt water. Morning surfing in Carlsbad isn't just a sport; it's an experience that can inject vitality and adventure into your day. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to paddle out and enjoy the morning calm.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/anxJdrA7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=542fb2ef54083f639af3f7866e3aab0d 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/anxJdrA7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=8f2d5aa7df17f55292319bb730de4c44 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/anxJdrA7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=31a7bd943b5c0f38a19d05bdb0e5cfc4 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/anxJdrA7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=6c8e282e386e9d991159a60bb05b04bd 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/anxJdrA7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=67cff851638e37703c208047471a961c 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/anxJdrA7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1440&s=47b7d4a15a83a5f197cf45c2286b8d74 1440w)
Riding the Morning Magic
Mornings in Carlsbad really are a special occasion. Surfing can be a routine that is part of a healthy morning – a burst of endorphins from the refreshing ocean that lays the foundation for a fulfilling day. For others, catching the waves in the morning can offer heightened focus and a serene mind – providing mindfulness that can guide your entire day. Surfing's rhythmic motion can even alleviate stress and clarify thoughts. For those visiting, whether experienced or a beginner, surfing is a great way to enrich yourself in the true Carlsbad culture.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b846ee09f0bb772e5314438e02d1964c 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9da2a7513181e11c5bcd894182136579 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c4d92b46e152b10cb3c5f8b17ea1f29f 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=711debf575322d4256d2c2ed2ad0df73 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=2f40b4463edf2e0735d76ab1352d33ff 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=44d4ff2aeac3dab939484d4da3be7088 1440w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=06d66d85a1703ae9dd5d93ecef1a3915 1920w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=eb2c4f6da78fd4be2eb3c2f6d683fac3 2552w)
Where to Rise, Shine and Surf
If you’re looking to start your morning on the water, Carlsbad beaches are the perfect place to start. Here is a trio of iconic waves that can help you rise, shine and surf:
Ponto Jetties: Conquer the Steep Angles
Ponto Jetties offer an adrenaline-packed ride with steep angles, quick drops and thrilling barrel sections. On the south end of Carlsbad State Beach, South Ponto is situated right above Leucadia. Suited for advanced surfers, the Ponto Jetties wave calls surfers to ride off both sides of the jetty for a unique and dynamic thrill.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_F38599E01DD4-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=844fc195256b2c6731eb70ed4a86bfca 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_F38599E01DD4-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d9d6d37ab3c720b5f508da020d0ffd41 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_F38599E01DD4-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a06416619c2bd23d92e47980da972647 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_F38599E01DD4-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=67ca7a603bfe9d7f14e10d1d1d69e87b 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_F38599E01DD4-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=38a79111c7e26790f70477e30b53825c 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/IMG_F38599E01DD4-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=baeb0c2177256689bcf2d4f52c703b05 1284w)
Terramar Point: Longboarder's Paradise
For a more leisurely pace, Terramar Point's slower-breaking nature is a haven for learners. It’s nestled inconspicuously alongside the southern edge of Carlsbad, just north of Palomar Airport Road. Terramar Point’s structure handles powerful swells with grace, making it a longboarder's dream.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b846ee09f0bb772e5314438e02d1964c 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9da2a7513181e11c5bcd894182136579 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c4d92b46e152b10cb3c5f8b17ea1f29f 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=711debf575322d4256d2c2ed2ad0df73 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=2f40b4463edf2e0735d76ab1352d33ff 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=44d4ff2aeac3dab939484d4da3be7088 1440w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=06d66d85a1703ae9dd5d93ecef1a3915 1920w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/BY8YgprL.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=eb2c4f6da78fd4be2eb3c2f6d683fac3 2552w)
Warm Water Jetty: A Fast and Peaky Playground
Warm Water Jetty's fast, peaky beach breaks are a playground for early morning riders. Venture to the south side of the jetty for a rewarding, extended ride into the beach's embrace. Fewer crowds mean you can wake up at your own pace.
Learning to Ride the Waves
Being comfortable on the water takes practice. Luckily, Carlsbad is home to some of the best places for hands-on lessons to jumpstart your journey to becoming a morning surfer.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/0copB3T7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e36ac9e807145c015bc327ad388c236f 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/0copB3T7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=08a2b5eec6d112ea3acfada1b7d615e9 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/0copB3T7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=8e2ca2fad3d579d5a1846d89f7b2d2d2 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/0copB3T7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=0afa53deb95fd0968d916e2e238478f4 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/0copB3T7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5fa53ad86399ff2b595c7a3407378d6e 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/0copB3T7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=61fafb52e67f21cfb2315fbb9ff85243 1440w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/0copB3T7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=664f07c713e0aafafee25269d1afedba 1920w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/0copB3T7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=e55d06d0f22edf5ef7dee0c051a2fd48 2560w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/0copB3T7.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=89a5f8a63b8de272714f7f6e3c5eecae 3579w)
SoCal Surf Lessons: A Legacy of Excellence
With 17 years of teaching experience, SoCal Surf Lessons in Carlsbad stands as a surf school that epitomizes professionalism and friendliness. Offering private lessons that cater to each individual's skill level, SoCal Surf ensures a comprehensive understanding of the sport. Their dedication to teaching you to ride the face of the wave rather than the whitewash makes sure that you'll master the art of surfing from the very start, allowing you to experience the authentic surf culture of Carlsbad.
Wavehuggers: Surfing with Purpose
Wavehuggers Surf School blends lessons with ocean awareness and environmental commitment with a focus on nature, beach safety and surfing fundamentals. This is also supplemented by a strong commitment to that ecosystem that supports it. Wavehuggers offers private lessons in Carlsbad that will get you out on the water in no time.
Waves and sunrises on the Carlsbad coast can make any night owl a morning bird. Whether you're chasing the thrill of surfing or simply seeking the sunrise's embrace, Carlsbad's waves are waiting!
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