Blacks Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W, NW, SW (long period over 15 second).
Wind
E, SE.
Surf Height
Chest high to 3x overhead.
Tide
Low to mid.
Blacks Surf Guide
This is the best beachbreak in the county, and everyone knows it. The saving grace here is the long hike due to the sheer cliffs. It requires a time commitment that rules out most before-the-job or lunch-break sessions. There are three main peaks, shifting phantom peaks and sneaky insiders that work according to conditions. A deepwater canyon attracts most any swell with west in it and holds waves from 2 feet to as big as it gets. During head-high and smaller swells, low to medium tides are best, but, during large swells, it's less tide sensitive. It should be obvious, by the glider port on the north end, that the dominant wind is onshore. Worth noting: the northern end of Black's has long been a celebrated nudist beach.
LOCAL RESOURCES: San Diego Surfrider
LINEUP TIPS:
Etiquette | Surf Safety Basics
Ability Level
Advanced - Intermediate
Intermediate to advanced, depending on size.
Local Vibe
Doable
Competitive.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Often competitive.
Spot Rating
Perfect
Occasionally perfect, deepwater canyon created peaks.
Shoulder Burn
Exhausting
Plan to work, and wear a few solid sets on the head, when it's pumping.
Water Quality
Clean
Typically clean but gets dicey after a rain.
Hazards
Crumbling cliffs falling on the beach, getting caught in the impact zone of a 10-foot South Peak bomb.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Bodyboard, Gun, Fish
Access
Requires a long hike and a longer-than-average time commitment.
Bottom
Sand, offshore canyon.
Best Season
Best November-February, but works year-round.
Do you have local knowledge about Blacks?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]