Salt Creek Beach: The Haute New O.C. Surf Spot

Given that surfing is a favored activity of many SoCal residents, it’s surprising that Salt Creek Beach has gone so under the radar as a wave riding destination.

That’s about to change. Thanks to the Cosmic Creek Surf Competition, which completed its successful sophomore year over the weekend, Dana Point and Laguna Beach are giving other surf spots like Long Beach, Malibu and Huntington some stiff competition.

Billabong and Subaru sponsored the competition this weekend, which saw the appearance of pro surfers like Wade Goodal, Courtney Conlogue and Tom Curren and was capped by a performance from local legend, surfer and musician Donovan Frankenreiter.

In addition to being a cool, vintage throw-back contest, Subaru donated $5,000 to the Orange County Parks.

Because the excellent local surf spots are so untapped, the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is now offering a SoCal Surf Experience package in the hopes that surf enthusiasts will soon recognize what the pros already know. It also happens to be a prime viewing place for Cosmic Creek, as Salt Creek Beach actually resides on its grounds.

The package includes a two-hour surf lesson on Laguna Beach, a stay at the hotel and all equipment rentals (including a wetsuit, surfboard, leash and wax).

Why not learn to ride? Surfing is a sport that attracts everyone from Vanity Fair publisher Edward Menicheschi to Frette North America CEO Paul Raffin to fashion designers Cynthia Rowley and Tracy Feith. It’s officially time to unleash your inner Spicoli.

Like Haute Living Los Angeles? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingLA. Want Haute Living Los Angeles delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.