Huntington State Beach Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

Combo of swells SSE, S, SW with WSW, W, WNW.

Wind

NE, Santa Anas.

Surf Height

Shoulder-high to 3 feet overhead.

Tide

Medium.

Huntington State Beach Surf Guide

Despite all the surrounding changes in HB, the waves remain unchanged. Diehards swear by the break, claiming it's the ultimate surfer's wave, and others just laugh and say that contest organizers can have it every day of the year, for all they care. Whatever the case, there are still classic California days to be had up and down the stretch. Just wake up early one morning and if it's a peaky swell with Santa Ana winds, you'll side with the diehards.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

Beginner to advanced.

Local Vibe

Welcoming

WelcomingIntimidating

Can be heavy at the pier, a few grumps at Cliffs, otherwise mild.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

Zoo at the pier and Cliffs, everyone is spread out elsewhere.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Serviceable.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

4 -- but can be a 10 on a south swell current

Water Quality

Fair

CleanDirty

6, and State Beach can be a 10 near the Santa Ana River if it's flowing.

Hazards

Car rip-offs at Cliffs, southerly current, loose longboards at South Bolsa, baby white sharks at the Huntington Flats.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard

Access

Free parking on side streets and meters.

Bottom

Sand.

Best Season

Year-round, but fall can be epic.

Do you have local knowledge about Huntington State Beach?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]