The Central Coast may not be Huntington, or Pipeline, or Trestles, but it’s home to AGHS students. The Central Coast holds some of the most powerful, consistent, beach breaks in all of CA.— beachbreaks that professional surfers and photographers alike take pride in. 

AGHS Alumnus and local surf-pro Makai Tracht  appreciates the energy  and waves in Pismo Beach. “The beach break I surf most is [the] Pismo Beach Pier because it’s reliable, closest and fun. I always see the local crew [there], who are always fun to chat and surf with,” said Tracht. 

Tracht has made his way from Arroyo Grande surf practices and competitions at Pismo Beach, all the way to National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) competitions. During his journey, Tracht has earned six sponsors: Third World Surf Co., Avva Brand, Hyperflex, Still Frothy, Central Coast Surf Shop, and Liss. 

Tyler Ballsillie, another local surf-pro, had a similar rise to fame— with much credit attributed to local surf breaks. Ballsillie is sponsored by Venjenz, Creatures, Jeff Clark Surfboards, Ivan Bar, and Isurus. He is mainly known for his big-wave surfing at infamous spots such as Mavericks and Jaws. When Ballsillie is in town, he also gravitates towards Pismo Beach .  

“[The] most consistent [surf spot, when it comes to waves], is definitely Pismo overall. There’s always something breaking somewhere,” said Ballsillie. 

However, consistency is just one factor for a good beach break. Both surfers praise Oceano for when the conditions are right. 

“[The best beach break is] probably the Oceano side by the dunes; it gets sick when the bars line up,” Ballsillie said. “Most days [the waves are] average, but after a good swell, [the ocean] gets super clean peaks and barrels,” Ballsillie said. 

Tracht shares similar sentiments, also praising Morro Bay for its shape. “I think the beach break with the best shape on the Central Coast is Morro Bay; it typically has open walls for doing turns,” Tracht said. 

Tracht specifically referenced “The Pit” at Morro Bay, for its consistency, swell, and shape.  

Jamie Joaquin, well known as “Sharkbait Photography,” frequents the beaches of the Central Coast and appreciates the waves along with the surfers he shoots. 

“[I’ve lived on the Central Coast] since 2005. I came down here to watch my nephews do the Still Frothy contest… I fell in love with it after that,” Joaquin said.

Like the other local surf-pros, his nephews’ journeys started at the Pismo pier. 

“It’s cool to see them grow up. I remember Brayden Jones when he first started [surfing]; now he’s a fireman. Makai is really good, I like watching him surf. He’s very powerful,” Joaquin said. 

Joaquin watched his own photography progress, along with local groms (young surfers) progressing into pros. He appreciates the Pismo Pier for being there every step of the way. 

Jonathan Reis is a local professional photographer who is proud to call the Central Coast and its breaks home. 

“If I named my favorite spot I wouldn’t be allowed back!” Reis said with a laugh. However, Reis enjoys the Pismo Beach Pier, just as those aforementioned.

“The Central Coast has so many miles of beach breaks that I have been fortunate enough to shoot over my photography journey. I enjoy shooting at the Pismo Pier for the landmark and backdrops, and being elevated provides a different perspective,” Reis said.

The benefits of surfing a beach break are plentiful, and Reis is no stranger to them.

“A beach break over a reef break for me is more about variety. I enjoy how they change with swell direction, sand bars, wind and tide. They offer up multiple styles of photography whereas reef or point breaks get a little repetitive for me,” Reis said. 

Ultimately, surfers and photographers are proud and grateful to call the Central Coast their home, not just because of the waves themselves, but the community, culture, and dynamic they hold.