Gianna | Travel Notes & Side Quests

Notes from California: 🌊 Surfing can feel gnarly in an intimidating way, especially when you’re new and very aware of your inner kook. I used to think you needed surf camps, coaches, and a big budget just to belong out there.

Turns out I just got really lucky. I have a few surfer friends who are genuinely excited to bring people along, lend boards, share wetsuits, explain lineups, and laugh with you when you wipe out (again).

Some of those friends are building something big with @despuessurf, a surf club that feels like a run club for the ocean. No ego, no gatekeeping, just community, consistency, and showing up together. Add @despuescoffee after the session (best coffee in OC, period) and suddenly early mornings feel very worth it. Their next surf session is on the 01/10 at Salt Creek by the way!!

Beginner-friendly spots I’ve loved so far:
📍 Zuma Beach (extra grateful for @michael_gunnar paddling out with me here a few times)
📍 Newport Beach
📍 Malibu with the endless perfect small waves

Real talk though: surfing is one of the harder sports I’ve tried. Be prepared to drink a lot of salt water, miss waves, catch whitewater, and feel like a kook more often than not.

But with the right people, even the gnarly days are fun and that’s how you keep coming back, duuudeee 🤍🌊

#NotesFromCalifornia #SurfCommunity #BeginnerSurf #KookLife #CaliforniaSurf