Hi Mitch, I see nobody has responded to your question, that's typical here on ScubaBoard So Cal, there's a very small or strange group here, they don't respond unless you have professional grade images uploaded, sorry to say but that's my observation from the last 3 yrs. It's odd. I'm not from SD, but if you want to head to any where in between Laguna to North Santa Barbara area (especially Santa Monica Bay!!) I can help with any questions you have. Free Boat trips, and the best shore dives are what we do, we hit them all, and we share!! Go to Hardcore's web page, or facebook us, we're always going out! And we're not picky or the best, but we're hardcore dive team!!
I'll attempt to answer your question, in this weather we have more of a NW swell action, sometimes it doesn't seem right, as energy can be coming from the SW and even small energy from SE if you can believe that!! but as far as skill level, you having 50 dives around Monterey area and shoredives at that, your good to go anywhere at any time of year! If it's big swells 3'+ head a few miles to another spot!! Ask Power Scuba if you are in SD, they are the coolest and active dive (biggest) group maybe anywhere! Talk to Bill Powers, if conditions are not the best, chances are he's got a wholesale boat trip going to the best spot around!! Trust me, your best bet is to call Bill Powers of Power Scuba or anyone of the 100s in his active group!! Best of all, have fun diving!