rscaife said...
UCSB, beyond any trace of doubt.
In addition to a solid academic reputation, the University has several km of beach, and most students live in the adjacent seaside town Isla Vista (named for the view of majestic Santa Cruz Island). I lived for several years on Del Playa Drive, which is literally on the edge of the ocean.
Frequent fronts in Winter and Spring bring 20-25 knot winds (and waves) right at the back door. In April-May, Jalama (about 90 minutes West) blows 25-30 knots nearly every day (with big heavy waves). In Summer there is a regular, but also somewhat feeble, seabreeze (I am guessing 10-15knots).
If you don't like surfing campus point, Rincon (best right-hander in the West) is 30 minutes by car. Otherwise, find a way into Hollister Ranch for the world's best waves.
The scenery is also awesome (4000 foot mountains rise up behind the town), with extensive wilderness areas for multiday hikes.
A five hour drive gets you to the Sierra Nevada for skiing/snowboarding.
Perhaps best of all: the babes! I think female UCSB students are selected not just on their grades.
You can check-in anytime, but you may never leave...
I'll second UCSB. I spent a few weeks there with a mate and it was all time. The frat and sorority parties are amazing (voted 2nd best party college in america when I was there 2 years ago) and the whole town is just college kids between 18-25. The surf is pretty crap, but they get their fun days. There are some pretty fun clubs at Santa Barbara which is only a short drive away, some sick downhill skateboarding, everyone just cruises around on bikes in town.. Probably one of the funnest towns I've been to if you like to drink with hot girls. Just as a heads up though, the Aussie accent works to spark up a conversation but it won't get you everywhere. Out of all the girls i spoke to in IV there was only one that was truly frothing on the fact that I was an aussie.
If you go over there make sure to join a decent fraternity too. Being a token aussie should make this easier (although some won't take in someone that's not from the US, but if your a sick guy people will let it slide). You won't get invited to the best parties if your not in a fraternity, and the **** frat parties usually end up with a "sister" sorority full of ugly chicks.
The wind wasn't amazing while I was there (only a couple of days while I was there it was blowing), but you've got the snow and surf there to keep you going, plus the girls more than make up for any lack of kiting you may have.
PS. I have a few mates that go to Florida each winter for wakeboarding and they dont rate it too highly on the party front.
Good luck!
