Well, I factor consistency in with "World Class Status", and SoCal doesn't have it. I'll give it to the big breaks north of Point Concepcion, and yes of course Rincon when it's on. Malibu? Please, the only reason why it's on the map is because it's warm in the winter (and also in the shadow for north swells) and there's 10 million people in the county so naturally it's packed. Breaks like Trestles or Blacks will show it up 99 times out of 100.

The exotic-ness certainly factors in, be it surfing or climbing, but there is some fantastic breaks out there that pound year round; much better than Cali. Costa Rica certainly isn't the most beautiful, but there's almost always something coming through if not head+, not to mention 80 degree water. It may not have the appeal of Hawaii, but it doesn't have the crowds either. In my book, more "World Class" than the islands.

Obviously you're from NorCal and I'm from SoCal, so we see this differently. SoCal surf isn't World Class for the most part and we're more like 5 hours from the Sierras. However, you guys go off in the winter, and you're not going to be getting on much Sierra rock then, unless axes and crampons are your style.

And for the record, if you live on The Ranch then your vote doesn't count - you get better, uncrowded surf than the rest of Cali combined. That's kickass.