whoooaaa...
Yo Aaron, this is Menges, I met you in Gunny when you first started boating...
Anyway, for around SF.... You really dont want to go surf in Santa Cruz. earthnrg is talking about Steamers Lane, possibly the most territorial, hardcore surf spot in the country. As a kayaker, you will get your ass beat, threatened, heckled etc... unless you are a well known, respected local with renowned skills. This place is basically only 'open' to kayakers during the annual surf competition. As a beginner ocean surfer you would be wise to stay away if you have any interest in self preservation/respect.
Just tellin it like it is there.... Even good surfers get heckled if they are not known there. There are local gangs of surfers that battle each other for rights to the break. Its fucked up basically...
However, if in SF and you want to try ocean surfing (highly reccommended, its so fun and huge areals are a breeze) )there are some good options. The best might be Stinson Beach. Take HWY 1 north of SF to get there. Its a mellow beach break, with a very wide area and you can usually find you own peak to surf, staying out of surfers' way. Another good bet is Pacifica, just south of SF on hwy 1. More surfers, less room, but since its mostly beginner surfers you should be all good with proper etiquette and boat control.
If you want to drive about 2 hours, San Juan Hole in Sacramento is great. I'm pretty sure it always runs and will be running when you are there. Call California Kayak Supply in Sac. for directions. Like Earthnrg said, Chili bar section on the SF American is good 3/+ with good play. I think it usually releases on weekends. Check with the shop for this, and even people to hook up with. There's a bunch of boaters in Sac that go often and seem to hook up[ via the shop scene (pure conjecture there).
Have fun.
Oooh, one more surf spot is Greyhound Rock, just north of SC on hwy 1. It's definitely more intimidating than all the others though, but there will be no surfers and its very scenic.
And umm... dont worry about being in the 'red triangle' or the Great White attack warnings at Stinson. The great whites like surfers better than kayakers.