Advice on first time in the salt..

I live in Santa Rosa and want to get some advice on the Ocean.  Where do you think is the best spot on the Sonoma Coast for a first timer.  Also what ocean conditions should I be looking for?  I've spent a little time practicing self rescue and getting the necessary safety gear. Vhf, wetsuit, ect, ect. Any help would be appreciated.

I haven't fish the Sonoma coast yet but I recommend for a first timer out there best to go with people who have experience with swell and wind conditions. The lower the swell the better to fish. Still Water cove looks like a decent place to launch out from and i'm sure you can locate a reef or two and there will be fish.

Once I get my truck up n running again, I'm always looking for fishing buddies that are local.  But as for beginners I'd say Russian gulch or van damme.

Ft Ross, Timber Cove, Ocean Cove. All good for launch/landing on fishable water days. If you go out of Stillwater be sure and know the location of the big washrock that is maybe a 1/4 mile north of the cove. If you don't pay attention and get over the shallow spot a big swell will roll you. Usually you can see breaking water before you get there. Stay deeper, 80 foot or so and just look till you've spotted it.

When do you want to go? I'm always up to fish! Stillwater is a bit of a hike to the water. If you don't have wheels I would look elsewhere. Timber cove is nice and really close from parking to water. Also they have a fish cleaning station which is nice. Both are pretty protected launches.

Favorable ocean conditions for a first time would be when some experienced fellow kayakers hookup and help pick out a good spot and a good day for a first time out. My first time was at Crabfest so I had lots of people otw with me.

Find favorable weather/conditions and someone with experience who is willing to take you out.
BEST scenario is to take a class with someone who teaches this (Bushy, LoletaEric come to mind).
The lessons you learn will last you a life time.

I second RG and VD, as well as Albion fort an easy in/out experience.
I fish these places and would be glad to help you out if you want to go there.