Surf Guide

Although sandbars move and shift along this stretch continually, there are consistent breaks on the north end at the harbor's north and south jetties, and on both sides of the pier. These spots will most often have a crew of surfers on them, but, on better days, the peaks up and down the beach will be just as good. Oceanside is angled to receive southwest swells more readily than the beaches of central San Diego County, and, during southwest swells, it attracts surfers from all parts of SD. LOCAL RESOURCES: SD Surfrider Foundation | Oceanside Boardriders Club | Oceanside Longboarding Club | California Surf Museum

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

Beginner to advanced.

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

Proud but tolerant.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

Medium.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Serviceable, occasionally quite good.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

4

Water Quality

Fair

CleanDirty

2; but a 6 to 10 by South Jetty after a rain

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

SSW, SW, W, WNW. Hurricane SSE swells will miss here. Combo of North and South Hemi swells are best.

Wind

E, NE

Surf Height

Knee high to a few feet overhead.

Tide

Medium.