Hey Bcross...grab a drink, set aside and hour or so and search BWE threads with key words that might help you shortcut your process. You talking San Diego County? If yes, you gotta narrow it down further...La Jolla, Mission Beach or Pt Loma (and several other locations w kelp and canyons). If you're already to this point and know where you want to try, be daring and throw out a "mind if I tag along" thread or PM. Also watch other posts as there are regular open invites put out and take advantage of it. I have met MANY good dudes this way while also stealing their dope...
Be safe, have enough experience to not drag down someone else's trip and don't try and learn it all in one day. Enjoy the experience...or just call "the man"...he goes by Darkhorse.
Jim