North Beach Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SSW, S, E
Wind
NW, SW
Surf Height
Head high to triple overhead
Tide
Low to medium.
North Beach Surf Guide
One pier north of the New Pier, North Beach is more consistent and offers an easy paddle-out in the rip alongside the pier, or a jump off into the lineup. Unless, as previously mentioned, there is swell around, then the wash down the beach can get horrendous and you'll spend your session windmilling against the current. Same as New Pier, the wave at North gets really hollow when it's bigger, and some of the barrels that come through here are as good as it gets. Mostly it's a fun wave with rippable walls that can be enjoyed on any surf craft. Inside lefts form up at high tide and are known as the North Bowl, which gets really crowded when it gets good. On the far side of the beach, inside rights run up to the Bay Pier. This wave is known as Far Bowl, and gets really good, as well, but is strictly a high-tide wave. North Beach is the focal point on the Golden Mile, while New Pier is arguably the better wave.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Beginners to advanced.
Local Vibe
Doable
Not as heavy as the New Pier, but so many more of them. The locals are mainly longboarders.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Weekends can be packed; weekdays are not so bad.
Spot Rating
Fun
Not quite as good as the New Pier, but still pretty sick at times.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Pretty light, jump off the pier.
Water Quality
Fair
The North Beach Pier is a non-fishing pier and thus the water is pretty clean.
Hazards
Turning your back to the ocean.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard, Bodysurfing
Access
Easy and direct.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
Year Round
Do you have local knowledge about North Beach?
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