They say that you haven’t really surfed until you’ve surfed in the freezing, treacherous waters of San Francisco Bay and along the severe terrain of the coast. You can scope out these waves from a warm, dry seat of the Golden Gate Helicopters’ Clipper ship. From the famous undertow by Ft. Point to the spectacular breaks of Half Moon Bay—where the Mavericks’ competition is held each year—you’ll get a view of the coastline that has made northern California wetsuit surfers among the most respected anywhere.

Note that the coastline is often shrouded in the marine layer mornings during the summer. Scheduling this ride after noon will give you the best chance for clear weather.