Good spots for a newbe to fish and shore launch

Great list, Scott. Thanks for the breakdown (and emphasizing some good advice as usual).

I agree, ideally, take a class first, but at least do some self rescue practice in a lake before taking on the ocean. At the very least, go with someone else, not alone.  PFD, wetsuit (or drysuit) & a few other essentials should be obvious necessities at this point with all the info available on this site & elsewhere. 

Val, here's a previous thread about practice spots for surf launch/landing practice - similar question as decent places for beginners:  http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,17126.0.html The spots Mostly redundant with the ones listed here.

Caution on Half Moon Bay (HMB)--be aware of the reefs just to the South that become exposed on low tides and can cause a break. HMB, MBL, Doran Park Beach at Bodega--easy, peasy, lemon, squeezy. those are a good smattering along a long range of coast pick one near to you and go for it--but don't do it alone please until you've done it a while,

IMO: Davenport - and because you are new, use the buddy system and don't go out alone.