Surfside Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

SSE, S, WSW; W prefers mid and long-period 16sec+

Wind

Glassy, E, or NE Santa Anas.

Surf Height

Shoulder-high to 3 feet overhead.

Tide

Mid to high.

Surfside Surf Guide

Located just south of Seal Beach, the gated community of Surfside offers a unique and interesting study of wave dynamics and refraction. A sandy beachbreak, during the summer months large south swells hammer the Huntington Harbor jetty and the energy bounces off, creating perfect A-frame wedges in two distinct spots known as “The Bowl” and “The Hole.” A popular spot with the dedicated local crew, Surfside is best early in the morning on a lower tide. The onshore northwest winds can be unrelenting here in the summer after about 10:00am.

Ability Level

Intermediate - Advanced

BegIntAdv

Intermediate to advanced.

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

Can be heavy.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

Peaks off the jetty are highly contested.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Rippable wedges slingshotting off the jetty.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

When it's on, you'll be working.

Water Quality

Fair

CleanDirty

Not great after a rain and watch out for tar.

Hazards

Parking on PCH and running through guard gate, stingrays, baby white sharks.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Fish, Bodyboard

Access

Park at Anderson St. and walk up the beach or have an in with someone that lives in the gated community right out front.

Bottom

Sand.

Best Season

Best on solid W or NW swells November-February, but can be good on solid S swells.

Do you have local knowledge about Surfside?

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