I agree with you about the downwinders and I really wanted to do one, I wish it was blowing NW when I woke up yesterday.

Thing is, downwinders bite on due Norths unless you start North of where the trolleys are, and I wasn't sure if it was gonna go NW (it wasn't forecast to), hindsight.

North beach, imo, is our best spot on a due North. Not many places to ride due Norths (with clean wind) until you get past IRB.

In the upcoming months, I agree, no need to go to NB for seabreeze induced NWs.
Doing downwinders or riding at beaches with girls screaming with glee makes much more since (especially if you are single and under 40).