I need a recommended California surf spot! Here’s the criteria..?

TIME: Around 5th-10th April 2010

PLACE: California, – Visiting a friend in San Jose, after doing some snowboarding in Tahoe I’d really like to get in 2 days of surfing. I hadn’t planned on driving more than say 3/4 hours north or south of San Fran but open to suggestions. I’d prob have a refresher lesson and need to hire a board and suit so the place needs to have some of that available. And hey, it my first time in california so if its beautiful with some reasonably priced places to stay then all the better. Not sure if i should help south temperature wise rahter than north? i know nothing…

SKILL: I’ve surfed maybe like… 20-25 Days? I can catch a wave and stand and ride in on a minimal say 7’6 – 8 ft board, I’m a strong enough swimmer. Beginning to move along the wave rather than just head straight inland, but still working on it. I plan to have a kind of ‘advanced beginner’ or ‘refresher’ lesson on the first day to get some tips again, amke sure i’m in the right spot and go for it after that. I find slightly slower A frame type waves help me progress more than steep fast waves. i just crumble.. ha. Maybe a point break with waves that sweep in rather than dump me onto 2 ft of shallows..

I guess I’m looking for somewhere good for someone who’s not an out and out beginner but still needs the certain conditions to progress well.

Any help really appreciated, i don’t have long in California so i’d love to get this right
Thank you so much in advance..

DT
Thankyou so much so far, I was just wondering about anywhere nearer San Jose.

Santa Cruz – Where exactly?

Sorry but i don’t know the area at all.