HB Cliffs Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Picks up all swells, but can be bigger/better than the rest of HB on a NW.
Wind
East.
Surf Height
Shoulder high to overhead.
Tide
Mid.
HB Cliffs Surf Guide
Find your rip bowl and enjoy. This is the northernmost stretch of HB before you make your way to the Cliffs, and it loves a combo swell and low tide. It is rideable here almost as much as the Pier, though not usually as shapely, and it packs a few feet more size on a long period WNW swell during the winter. But, as alluded to, is prone to large rips and plenty of current when the swell is pumping. Open corners are hard to come by unless there are a few different swells running, but it is fun to try and find them (if you like duck diving and finding a needle in a haystack). Catch it with a proper combo, drained low tide, and offshore Santa Ana winds, though, and you’ll think heaven really is a place on Earth.
Local Vibe
Fairly mellow.
Crowd Factor
Busy but manageable.
Spot Rating
A workingperson's beachbreak. Never epic, always rideable.
Shoulder Burn
Unless it's a big south, which means you'll be paddling nonstop to stay in position, not so bad.
Water Quality
Decent except after a rain.
Hazards
Forgetting to pay for parking.
Access
Paid parking at a couple lots.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
Fall-winter.
Do you have local knowledge about HB Cliffs?
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