There are some life experiences that stay with you forever.

For me, one of those moments came from a completely last-minute decision – to go surfing in Ventura with my amazing cousin, Heba.

No planning. No expectations. Just pure spontaneity.

And somehow, it ended up being one of the best experiences of the entire trip.

The Perfect Start: Waffle Cones by the Beach 🍦

Before diving into the ocean, we made a quick (but very important) stop at
Coastal Cone & Parlor.

If you’re ever in Ventura – go here.

We grabbed one of their famous waffle fish cones, which are almost too cute to eat (almost). Sweet treat in hand, ocean breeze in the air – it already felt like the perfect California day.

Going From Zero to Surfing 🏄‍♀️

This is where the spontaneity really kicked in.

We decided – right then and there – to go surfing.

No prior booking. No plan.

We headed to a nearby rental shop and picked up:

• A surfboard
• A wetsuit (highly recommend, even in California!)

💡 Tip: Ventura has several surf rental spots along the beach, and most offer:

• Hourly or daily rentals
• Beginner-friendly boards (soft tops)
• Optional lessons if you’re new

Quick Lesson, Then Straight Into the Water

Luckily, I had the best teacher – Heba.

After a super quick crash course on:

• How to position on the board
• When to paddle
• How to pop up

…we were straight into the water.

No overthinking. Just trying, falling, laughing, and trying again.

Tips If You Want to Try Surfing in Ventura

If this is on your bucket list, here’s what I’d recommend:

🏄‍♀️ For Beginners

• Start with a soft-top board (much easier to balance)
• Consider a 1-hour lesson if you’ve never surfed before

🌊 Timing Matters

• Mornings usually have calmer waves and fewer crowds
• Check surf conditions before heading out

🧥 What to Wear

• Rent or bring a wetsuit – the water can be colder than expected

💪 Be Prepared

• Surfing is a full-body workout
• You’ll be tired quickly – take breaks!

📍 Where to Go

• Stick to beginner-friendly beaches like San Buenaventura State Beach

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the best travel moments are the ones you don’t plan.

This spontaneous surf session in Ventura turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life – and a reminder to just say yes more often.

Would I do it again?
In a heartbeat.

📌 Thinking of trying surfing in California? Save this for later or share it with your travel buddy!