JichelMustenAdditionally, does anyone know of some places in Oregon where my brother and I could learn surfing? I have never done it before but it is definitely something I would be interested in.
I would recommend taking a lesson if you want to have a good experience, but I can also respect the attitude of just grabbing a board and getting out there, so I'll throw some advice your way.
1) Go to Cannon Beach and rent surfboards (and wetsuits if you dont have them) from Cleanline Surf Shop. Also make sure you get boots, gloves, and a hood if your head gets cold. They will also rent you some soft racks for your car.
Don't rent anything smaller than a 7'2 or you're gonna have a shitty first day.
2) Go south on 101 from Cannon Beach until you get to Oswald West State Park. You'll know you are there when you see a random, long parking lot that is absolutely packed on the side of the road. Pull in there.
3) Get all your shit and hike down the trail that heads towards the beach (the trailhead starts right by the bathrooms at the end of the parking lot). It's about a half mile hike, and don't carry your board like a kook. Welcome to Short Sands, or Shorties.
It is by far the best place to learn how to surf on the Oregon coast because of its super long and mellow sloping beach, but don't hold me to that. You might be there when it is breaking at 6ft and you're gonna have an awful day if you try to get up in the main swell.
4) When you get to the beach, turn right and walk along the top of the beach until you get to the big ass boulders that are right up against the hill opposite the water.
5) Keep all your stuff here, the nice big rocks provide some good shade for any packs, coolers of beer, etc. It will also keep things nice and hidden from anyone trying to snag some beach-goers belongings.
6) Get your wetsuits on, get in the water, stay out of peoples way, AND AVOID THE FAR ENDS OF THE BEACH RIGHT UP AGAINST THE HEADLANDS. Generally, not always, but generally there is a pretty substantial rip that goes along the edge of the rocks, so shoot right for the area that the rest of the people are in, just don't crowd them.
7) Don't leave any trash on the beach.