calm ocean

Hey Mike - Morro Back Bay and Port San Luis near Avila Beach are good places to go ... Leffingwell Landing in Cambria is an easy launch but the swells can get big once you are out there - as always check the tides/surf reports before you make a long trek - Refugio was really calm last week but the fishing is pretty slow there - great for kayaking

For mid Santa Cruz County:

The beach near the Capitola Wharf and New Brighton State Beach are the calmest beach launches.

Beach launches get more difficult as you move south from New Brighton State Beach towards Seacliff and Manresa State Beaches.