Choosing where to paddle out can be the make or break decision of your day. Paddling out at the right spot can have you feeling like a wave magnet, in the groove, and stoked on your session. Paddling out in the wrong place can be a frustrating and demoralizing experience. The waves can look good from the beach, but then back off as you try to catch them, the crowd might be too thick, or the currents too strong. Recently, I paddled out in the middle of a really crowded spot with a current pulling north. It looked good from the beach, but every wave I tried to catch had 3 people already going for it and many more in the way as I dropped in. It was dangerous, I was tired of fighting the current to stay in position, and I was super annoyed with my session. After 45 minutes of struggling, I got out of the water and decided to give it one more chance at a peak I noticed breaking 100 yards away. Sure enough, I caught a nice waist high right and discovered my stoke.
Find those certain peaks and surf spots that work for you and surf them often. You'll become a better surfer by knowing where to go and though you may have to jump in the car for an adventure, it will be worth the effort.