Orange County

[Kmania]

Where is your favorite place to paddle? Mostly I've gone out of Divers Cove in Laguna Beach and various places in Newport Harbor. Any other recommendations?

[Zooport]

Are you talking about flat water spots?  If so, you have already mentioned the best.  Another great paddle: a friend of mine and I will sometimes set off from the harbor patrol in Newport Harbor and paddle about 4 miles down to Beachcomber restaurant in Crystal Cove for an awesome breakfast and then paddle back.  If you are talking about surfing locations you just have to pick a spot, almost the whole coast is surfable in the right conditions. 

[Kmania]

Yes, flatwater. I would probably kill myself surfing, although I loved it the one time I tried it.

[Zooport]

Huntington Harbor is another nice location for flat water.  One of our site sponsors, Sup-position offers rentals there, so you don't even have to tote your board. 

[hbsteve]

Take the first part of Zooport's suggestion.  Paddle out toward the end of the jetties.  Sometimes it is flat.  Sometimes it's not.  Sometimes there are lots of boats.  And sometimes there are not. The nice thing is that you can paddle out as far as you can, turn around and enjoy the bay.  How far out you get will depend on the conditions, your board and your skill level.  Your balance will improve.
Yesterday was there was some swell rolling in, but the surface was not choppy.  Just at the end the wind was already making white caps at 10:30.
Dolphin are frequently swimming in the area

[Kmania]

Thanks! I might try to get there this weekend.