Coronado Beach Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Coronado Beach Surf Guide
Coronado is an average beachbreak that tends to be a bit dumpy and closed out. The farther north you go up the beach, the more shadowed it is from anything but straight south swells, so the banks in front of the military base typically aren't worth the walk. That being said, legend has it that Coronado turns into a total barrel fest during a big, steep, southerly hurricane swell.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Hollow, heavy closeouts make this a better spot for proficient surfers than beginners.
Local Vibe
Doable
Gets busy, but not extremely localized.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Average crowds for a San Diego beachbreak.
Spot Rating
Fun
An average, somewhat closed-out beachbreak that isn't super impressive, except on the rare occasion that a macking southerly hurricane swell tracks up the coast.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
A moderate paddle through closed-out peaks.
Water Quality
Fair
Only a couple miles north of Tijuana Sloughs, so expect some pollution, especially after rains or sewage spills.
Hazards
Closeouts, currents, angry MPs if you wander onto base.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish
Access
Park in Coronado and walk to the beach. If you are planning to surf the sandbars in front of the military base, you will have to walk up the beach.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
Best on a southerly hurricane swell, which are most common in late summer or autumn.
Do you have local knowledge about Coronado Beach?
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