Franko's Map of L.A. County Surfing
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Franko's Map of L.A. County Surfing
If you live in or favor Los Angeles County and it's surfing, then the L.A. side is side 1 of this map for you, and Ventura to Santa Barbara is side 2. If you live in Ventura or Santa Barbara, then that side is side 1 of the map, and L.A. is side 2. But it is the same map! Since all of the major surf breaks for L.A. could fit neatly on one side of one map, and all of the major surf breaks for Ventura County Line all the way to Point Conception in Santa Barbara County could fit on one side of one map, I decided to combine the two. This map is like getting two for the price of one. The nature of every notable surf break, including the best swell direction, size of waves, best wind and tide, and so forth are detailed. Some spots that have webcams or surf reports are noted.
L.A. County Surfing includes everything from the County Line of Ventura, around Point Dume, past Malibu's miracle waves, around the Santa Monica Bay to RAT Beach, and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula (PV) to the Cabrillo Breakwater. L.A. has its share of great surfing spots, and this map details them with a beautiful map showing the descending hues of ocean blue with the Santa Monica Bay never looking so good. The major freeways and roads shown will get you there as well. Favorite surf spots shown include County Line, Leo Carrillo State Beach, Point Zero, Zuma Beach, Point Dume, Latigo, Malibu, Topanga, Sunset, Will Rogers State Beach, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Sewer Pipe, Chevron Reef, El Porto, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Breakwater, Torrance County Beach, The Cove, Haggerty's, Lunada Bay, Royal Palms State Beach, White Point and Cabrillo Beach. A Los Angeles County Seasonal Overview describes the changing conditions and optimum surfing to be found here throughout the year. Fabulous photos show that L.A. is no less famous for it's surfing than any other part of California.
Santa Barbara & Ventura County Surfing includes everything from beyond Jalama, just beyond Point Conception, to the entire Gold Coast of Goleta and Santa Barbara to the famous spots of Ventura County, such as Rincon, and down around Port Hueneme to the L.A. County line. The Ranch (A.k.a. Bixby / Hollister Ranch) has breaks including Government Point, Perko's, Cojo, St. Augustines, Utah, Little Daks, Drakes, and Razor Blades. Working Eastward around the Gold Coast there are surf spots at Point Molino Canyon, Tajiguas, Refugio State Beach, Hazards, El Capitan State Beach, Ed's, Naples, Coal Oil Point, Sands, Campus Point, Poles Goleta Beach, Hope Ranch, Hendry's, Sandspit, Leadbetter, Hammonds, Miramar, Shark's Cove, Serena Point, Tar Pits, Backsides, Rincon, Mussel Shoals (Little Rincon), Offramps, Hobson's, Faria County Park, Pitas Point, Solimar Beach, Emma Woods State Beach, Ventura Overhead, California Street (C Street), New Jetty, McGrath State Beach, Power Plant, Hollywood Beach, Silver Strand, Port Hueneme, Supertubes, County Line, and Leo Carrillo. If I missed any, maybe it should be kept quiet. The shaded relief map of the California Coast along Ventura and Santa Barbara is amazing, and this map also shows the Channel Islands off the coast, as well as the amazing underwater bathymetry. The colors unmistakably spell out the fact that I love the ocean! There is plenty of surfing to be had in these two counties, and a Seasonal Overview describes it's ever changing, sometimes fickle nature throughout the year. Spots that have webcams or surf reports are noted for such in their individual descriptions. A pair of photos exclaim the surfing enthusiasm of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
Captions from the LA side of the map are as follows:
DESCRIPTIONS OF L.A. COUNTY SURF BREAKS (North to South):
COUNTY LINE: Where Little Sycamore Canyon Road meets the ocean is a rippable beachbreak. point combo, offering remarkably good waves with easy access. The far north end of the beach shoots off an impressive right ideal for multiple smacks. Well-shaped peaks line the rest of beach. The local vibe is mellow and forgiving. Overall, a solid call if you're in the area. Best Season: Summer, Fall . Direction: SW. Size: 2'-8'. Tide: Med.. Wind: NE. Bottom: Sand, Rock. Rating: Int.. Daily Surf Report. Webcam
STAIRCASE: A mile above Leo Carrillo at the County Line sign on PCH, a path down the arroyo leads to a rock bottom beach that breaks in any waist- to chest-high swell.
LEO CARRILLO: The typical wave here breaks near a big rock outside and then reforms on the inside. A tight take-off area makes it difficult to catch waves if more than five people are in the water. It will break on practically any swell but a S or SW generally lines up better. Most of the time Leo Carrillo is plagued with wave-hogging longboarders. Best Season: Summer, Fall. Direction: S, SW. Size: 2'-8'. Tide: Medium. Wind: NW. Bottom: Rock, Sand. Rating: Intermediate. Daily Surf Report. Webcam
ZUMA BEACH: Works best on a crossed up swell. Zuma is another hollow beachbreak that erupts relatively close to shore. During Santa Ana winds & any swell over four feet Zuma is a mesmerizing sight as perfectly groomed peaks line the entire beach. Zuma is one of the few waves in L.A. that doesn't carry a vicious local vibe. The sheer length of the beach here helps keep crowds at a minimum. Best Season: Summer, Fall. Direction: S, SW. Size: 2'-8'. Tide: Medium. Wind: E. Bottom: Sand. Rating: Advanced
WESTWARD BEACH: A heavy, shallow beachbreak and home to some of the thickest barrels in Los Angeles County. The most recognized break in Westward is aptly named
DRAINPIPES. Drainpipes is almost always bigger than it looks from the beach and has the power to send you straight to the bottom if you're not careful. Ironically, this area can go from perfection to absolute junk in a matter of minutes, good timing is everything. Advanced.
POINT DUME: A fantastic right point during straight south swells. Somewhat difficult to get to but the waves are often less crowded and less aggressive than surrounding areas. Usually bigger than surrounding areas because of a deep, underwater canyon just offshore. Intermediate.
BIG DUME: If it's too big at Little Dume then Big Dume is the call. It is a big and hollow point break on W, SW or S swells. Unfortunately it is not accessible due to private properties.
LITTLE DUME: A point and beach break that the locals love in the privacy of their limited access. Best at knee- to head-high, but outer reef can break on big S and SW swells.
LATIGO POINT: Longboards and mellow beginners waves located right at the condos at Latigo Shore Dr. Local condo people hate trespassers and illegal parking, so use the public access east of the beach.
MALIBU COLONY: Mushy beachbreak right in front of the homes of the rich and famous. Since there is zero public access, and since it's not that good anyway, go somewhere else.
MALIBU: THE fabulous, famous, classic, miracle right point waves, defined by three separate and unique take-off zones. During some swells these three zones are capable of connecting together to produce one of the most stimulating rides in the world. These three points include:
1. FIRST POINT: First Point is a perfectly shaped right that sets up splendidly over a cobblestone bottom. (Sand during the winter) Because it is nestled inside the point it is often less affected by the afternoon onshore wind. First Point is always crowded, especially with a rowdy longboard crew, if you surf here don't expect to get any waves to yourself and be careful paddling out
2. SECOND POINT: A fast, performance-oriented wave ideal for shortboards. The waves here are subject to tide fluctuations and if the sand isn't right can close-out. It is possible to connect through to First Point on the right swell. Second Point is crowded but nowhere near the levels of First Point.
3. THIRD POINT: An incredibly rippable wave ideal for down the line speed. Third Point delivers a steep shoulder and decent barrel section for anyone willing to hassle for their share. If you're not used to severe crowds and laughable paddling tactics give it a try. One good wave here to yourself makes it all worthwhile. On large, clean south swells if you're fast enough you might be able to connect to Second Point and First Point and go all the way to the pier. Best Season: Summer, Fall. Direction: S, SW, W. Size: 3'-8'. Tide: Medium. Wind: None, NE. Bottom: Cobblestone, Sand. Rating: Advanced. Daily Surf Report: Yes
TOPANGA: The first real point at the base of Topanga Canyon, Topanga is a long, sectiony right easily seen from Pacific Coast Highway. Topanga breaks best on large, W swells and little wind. Extremely long rides are possible if you're fast enough. Overall, a winter-time delight. Also good for longboards and beginners when its not too big. About 500 feet to the east right in front of the restaurant there is a powerful right over a dangerous rocky bottom called CHARTHOUSE. Daily Surf Report. Webcam.
SUNSET: Righ at Sunset Blvd., An occasional beachbreak. point combo that gets good during larger winter swells. Rock bottom.
WILL ROGERS STATE BEACH: Small, inconsistent beachbreak. Not much to surf.
VENICE BEACH. SANTA MONICA BEACH: A worthless series of jetties and beachbreaks. These beaches are home to some of the most polluted water imaginable and only work well with crossed up swells and fickle sandbars. In general, there are better ways to spend your time than to surf here. Daily Surf Report.
SEWER PIPE: A serious left that peels off an extended sewer pipe. The bottom is a quarky mixture of cement and sand. Very popular with a devout bodyboard crew. Intermediate.
CHEVRON REEF: The first artificial reef devoted entirely to surfing. For the most part, it only breaks decent during swells over six feet. Overall, its quality is marginal at best. The place might reach its potential if they added more sandbags.
HAMMERLAND: A top to bottom beachbreak capable of extracting severe punishment during oversized NW swells. Hammerland is located just north of El Porto and breaks adjacent to a jetty. The left is the more consistent alternative during most swells; but the right can also get quite good with a N swell. Advanced.
EL PORTO: If you're brave enough to endure some of the worst water quality in the world you might score some powerful beachbreak peaks here during the fall and winter. El Porto picks up NW swells very well, but the trick is to find the spots that are not closing out. The crowd here is overly aggressive but if you do what you're supposed to do you'll be fine. Best Season: Winter. Direction: NW. Size: 4'-8'. Tide: Low - Medium. Wind: East. Bottom: Sand. Rating: Advanced. Daily Surf Report. Webcam
HERMOSA BEACH. MANHATTAN BEACH: Both beaches are a constantly evolving mix of sand, swell, tides, and wind which can yield decent waves when it all comes together. Overall, your best bet for surfing in these areas is to search around for a spot that seems to have an established sandbar. Plenty of public parking means big crowds in the summer. Best Season: Fall, Winter. Direction: W. Size: 2'-8'. Tide: Low -Medium. Wind: E. Bottom: Sand. Rating: Intermediate. Daily Surf Report. Webcam
REDONDO BREAKWATER: One of the most fabled waves in Los Angeles County. Redondo Breakwater is a big, hollow left that breaks on the north end of the King Harbor jetty. On large, NW or W swells over 6 feet the wave reflects off the jetty to produce a superb left wall that finishes in a spectacular shorebreak. As with most spots, the larger the swell, the smaller the crowds. Bring your favorite big-wave board and charge. Best Season: Winter. Direction: W, NW. Size: 6'-15'. Tide: Low. Wind: E, NE. Bottom: Rock, Sand. Rating: Expert. Daily Surf Report. Webcam
REDONDO STATE BEACH: Closed-out beachbreak exposed to W & NW swells. Rating: Intermediate. Daily Surf Report. Webcam
TORRANCE COUNTY BEACH: Closed-out beachbreak exposed to W & NW swells. Rating: Intermediate. Daily Surf Report. Webcam
ROYAL PALMS STATE BEACH: Random peaks with rocks and sand along the bottom. Intermediate.
WHITE POINT: Family bodyboarding. Intermediate.
CABRILLO BEACH: A small beginner beachbreak that rarely breaks.
HAGGERTY'S: Haggerty's consists of three distinct sections:
1. UPPER HAGGERTY'S: A rock-riddled line-up that races along the edge of a torrential reef. “Uppers” is a deceptively perfect left that is often too fast to make. Unless the swell is huge & perfect, leave it alone.
2. HAGGERTY'S: On a solid W swell "Hag's" beautifully shaped lefts reel down the line majestically. However, a tight take-off zone over a shallow patch of reef puts Darwin's “Survival of the Fittest” theories to the test. As the swell increases the crowd spreads out a little but it is still a challenge to get a wave to yourself.
3. LOWER HAGGERTY'S: Lower Haggerty's only breaks with a swell over five feet. It is a fun, mushy left ideal for cruising. Best Season: Winter. Direction: W, NW. Size: 4'-12'. Tide: All. Wind: S, SE, E. Bottom: Rock, Sand. Rating: Advanced. Daily Surf Report. Webcam
THE COVE: The most popular spot on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The Cove consists of a variety of breaks which turn on and off with every swell and tide. Because it faces north it is one of the only spots on the coast that does well with a south wind. Expect long paddle outs and intolerable crowds. Best Season: Winter. Direction: N. Size: 4'-10'. Tide: Medium -High. Wind: SE, S. Bottom: Rock. Rating: Advanced
LUNADA BAY: One of the premier big wave spots in California, Lunada Bay is known for its intimidating size & unparalleled localism. Lunada Bay is one of the few places on the coast that can handle waves up to twenty feet. It is a deadly, boulder-filled line-up with a long, right, workable wall. A big wave board is essential but before you paddle out be sure no one sees where you park & be absolutely sure you don't drop in. Best Season: Winter. Direction: NW. Size: 8'-20'. Tide: Medium - High. Wind: E. Bottom: Rock. Rating: Expert
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SEASON OVERVIEW:
WINTER: Winter in Los Angeles County is blessed with mild temperatures and consistent surf. During the winter, northwest swells repeatedly pound the coast with overhead surf. Most of the south county spots that lay dormant during the summer finally wake up from their long hibernation. The South Bay's beachbreaks especially fare well during this time of the year but unfortunately run-off from repetitious storms make surfing a dicey proposition. In order to escape the filth, the Palos Verdes peninsula offers a selection of localized spots that aren't as exposed to the massive run-off from the Los Angeles basin.
SPRING: Most surfers in Los Angeles know that spring is the optimal time to surf somewhere else. The northwest swell machine is slowly grinding to a halt and the southern hemisphere storms aren't quite readjusted. You may luck into a magical morning session somewhere along this stretch of coast, but chances are you're better off sleeping in. If you're extremely lucky you might be able to catch a few early season rights at Malibu, but don't count on it.
SUMMER: Summer means crowds in Los Angeles County. Crowds on the beach, in the water, everywhere. A strong south or southwest swell is a great match for northern Los Angeles County's points and beachbreaks. The infamous Malibu, is the preferred wave of choice for what seems to be ten million surfers from all corners of the county. Overall, the summer can get good but there are other places that get good, without the obscene crowds.
FALL: Fall is the best time of year to surf in Los Angeles County as late season south swells combine with early season northwest swells to produce pristine oceanic conditions. The entire Southern California coast revels in fluctuating high and low pressure systems, which makes waves, but keeps the horrendous afternoon onshore winds at bay. During the fall, if you feel the warm Santa Ana Winds kicking up, head for the beach.
Captions from the SANTA BARBARA . VENTURA side of the map are as follows:
SANTA BARBARA & VENTURA COUNTY SEASON OVERVIEW:
WINTER: Consistent west and northwest swells pound Ventura and Santa Barbara
during the winter making it the optimal time to score overhead perfection. Whether
you're sampling one of the area's world-class pointbreaks or dropping into one of the
area's sick A-frame beachbreaks, winter makes it all possible. If there's a swell
pulsing through do yourself a favor and make the drive… it's worth it.
SPRING: Post-winter surfing in Ventura and Santa Barbara is a lesson in patience.
Late-season west and northwest swells are still around, but their smaller size and
noticeable decline in power make it more difficult to find a suitable location to surf.
The brutal afternoon onshore winds make the water temperature and overall
conditions unstable at best.
SUMMER: Unless you have access to The Ranch most surfers in Santa Barbara &
Ventura do a lot of traveling during the summer months because of swell blockage
from the Channel Islands. However, despite this unfortunate situation, most of the
breaks in Ventura County are still capable of serving up a few decent waves during a
south or southwest swell.
FALL: Summer's depressing hibernation is finally over. Early season west and
northwest swells combine with mild air temperatures & offshore winds to produce
some of the best waves you'll ever see, yet alone surf. Whether you're surfing one
of Ventura's fabled beachbreaks or Santa Barbara's points you won't be disappointed.
DESCRIPTIONS OF SURF BREAKS
(WEST TO EAST):
JALAMA: Jalama is a freezing cold beachbreak. reef combo that draws swells from any direction. During the summer Jalama is a hotbed for neglected Santa Barbara surfers looking for anything to stand up on. This wave works best with crossed up lines from the west forming semi-hollow peaks. On the south end of the beach is a the juicy reef called TARANTULAS. “T'S” often has the best shape in the area. Jalama is a fair bit out of the way down a winding, narrow road but in the summer it's one of the few waves available. Best Season: Fall. Direction: W. Size: 3'-10'. Tide: High - Medium. Wind: E. Bottom: Sand, Rock. Rating: Advanced.
THE RANCH: Access to this area of coast is heavily restricted. The only people with
land access guard their breaks with such fervor, only a select few get the opportunity to
sample some of its numerous treasures. Without an open from one of the local regulars,
the only option is to boat in. The boats crowds, however, have grown so thick that the
regulars can no longer harrass you straight out of this multitude of world-class waves along
this pristine stretch of coast. Conditions ebb & flow with the ever-changing tides and swells. This is a sampling of what surfing opportunites The Ranch has to offer: GOVERNMENT POINT, a long rocky point right;
PERKO'S, a crowded summer break;
COJO POINT, & COJO REEF, may be the area's best rights, up to double-overhead on a Baja Hurricane S swell;
ST. AUGUSTINE'S, a point and reef break with head-high hollow rights and lefts in summer, and fun wrapping swells in winter;
DRAKES REEF & DRAKES POINT still-localized even in this crowded era, because it is a fine right peak that works all the way up to 10'+, and clean, long rights off of the point that can go double overhead or better;
RAZOR BLADES the very beginning of The Ranch, which works on winter's consistent swells. Beach rocks are sharp (like "Razor Blades").
Caution: Boating in can be risky, especially out as far as Government Point.
POINT MOLINO CANYON & TALIGUAS: The last spots the general public gets to surf
before Jalama and T's.
REFUGIO STATE BEACH: Uncrowded by virtue of the mushyness of the beach break.
Camp here, surf somewhere else unless you want family fun or are a beginner with a longboard.
EL CAPITAN STATE BEACH: When it is breaking, which isn't often, El Capitan is a classic
right point. On a huge W swell El Capitan spits out long, steep rights that bowl practically
forever. If you're fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time you might
score some of the greatest rides of your life. Oh yeah, a few grumpy, stubborn locals will
try to ruin your day, so exercise caution. Best Season: Fall, Winter. Direction: W. Size:
4'-8'. Tide: Low. Wind: NW. Bottom: Rock. Rating: Advanced. Camping available.
ED'S: Tiny takeoff zone crowds the surfers, but the wave is a steep, hollow right that can
scream on a good day. A few violent locals think they own the place, so travelers beware.
NAPLES: Beach break two miles up from Hollister Ave. Shifing small points and rocky reefs beneath. Likes a west swell. Good vibe with UCSB's surfers.
HASKERS BEACH: Fickle beach break that has the dubious distinction as being the only
place in the U.S. to be torpedoed by the Japanese Empire during WWII.
SANDS: Just north of Devereaux, is one of the most consistent breaks in Santa Barbara.
Sands is series of sand-bars that comes to life during a peaky windswell. The sheer length of the beach acts as a crowd-filter. Popular with the college surf crowd. Intermediate.
DEVEREAUX POINT (COAL OIL POINT): Very similar to Campus Point, Coal Oil Point is
a long, sectiony right with a peaceful local vibe. Good call if everywhere else is zooed.
ISLA VISTA BEACH (IV): Fickle shorebreak, but outside reefs have potential.
CAMPUS POINT: An epic right-hand point right in front of UCSB, capable of producing
long, carving rights with the right swell. Usually it is divided into several distinct take-
offs but like most points in Santa Barbara, if you give it a low tide & solid groundswell
expect two or three hundred rides to be the norm. Best Season: Fall. Direction: W. Size: 3'-8'. Tide: Low. Wind: NE. Bottom: Rock. Intermediate. Student crowd.
POLES: Just down from Campus Point, Poles is a mushy reef break that goes right and left.
GOLETA BEACH: Good shorebreak for bodyboarding college crowd. Occassionally
waves peel off from the pier. Takes N to NW swells. Easy hike to breaks to the west
from the free parking here.
HOPE RANCH: Off of Las Palmas Dr., access is hampered by private property. It is a
mediocre or worse beach break, so the best bet may be elsewhere.
HENDRY'S (ARROYO BURO BEACH): Located at Liff Drive. Bodyboarders love this
closed-out shorepound. Channel windswells can create peakiness. Facilities & food nearby.
SANDSPIT: Extremely challenging right-hand barrel over a ridiculously shallow sandbar.
It only breaks during macking winter swells and even though it may look easy to ride, the
reality is quite the opposite. If it is breaking expect elbow to elbow crowds for Santa
Barbara's most fickle oddity. Get in early and go fast. Best Season: Fall, Winter.
Direction: W. Size: 3'-6'. Tide: Low. Wind: N. Bottom: Sand. Rating: Expert. Note: The
U.S. Coast Guard frowns on riding into the channel.
LEADBETTER: Long board wave on outside, shortboards and bodyboards on inside beach
break. Super popular and everyone is welcome. Sandy bottom.
HAMMONDS: A rock bottom right with a superlative end bowl section. It takes a large
swell to squeak in here but it can be worth it if you're lucky to catch it breaking. Surfers
beware, Hammonds is heavily guarded by a core group of locals who habitually check it,
but it still gets plenty crowded.
MIRAMAR: Quick rights to chest high, might be best for bodyboarders. By beach hotel.
SHARK'S COVE (FERNALD POINT): Access is the problem for this screaming overhead
right during a big W or NW swell. The long hike is via private land.
SERENA POINT: A fickle point that gets decent a few times each year.
CARPENTERIA STATE BEACH: Beachbreak is not much of a destination for surfers, even
though the parking, scenery and camping are all superlative. IF an when it ever does get good, the locals try to guard it.
TAR PITS: At the south end of Carpinteria State Beach, Tar Pits is a moderate beach
break occupied by numerous reefs. A popular family spot, Tar Pits is a mellow alternative
to the majority of the Santa Barbara surfing scene.
BACKSIDES: Off the north parking lot at Rincon, this is a shallow left on Rincon's outer
point. South sweells generate waves to head-high, but it is way crowded with the Rincon
crowd spill-over.
RINCON: Rincon is arguably the best wave in California so it's no surprise that it is also
the most crowded. During a solid west groundswell Rincon sets up like a dream as steep,
ledgy walls propel themselves down the line in unison. Most of the year Rincon is domi-
nated by a cobblestone bottom, but during the winter the far inside section known as
"THE COVE" fills in with sand and offers unforgettable barrels. Rincon is divided into
three main take-offs:
THE INDICATOR: The top of the point. The Indicator is the largest spot at Rincon & probably the slowest as well, but still often provides a great ride. Its outside exposure makes it more susceptible to afternoon winds, so surf early.
THE RIVERMOUTH: An extremely hollow section accentuates the line. Roughly half of the waves that march through this area will outrace you but if you do make it through to The Cove your efforts will be rewarded. The Rivermouth is probably the least crowded option at Rincon only because most people prefer to sit in The Cove.
THE COVE: The most congested and flawless wave imaginable, The Cove has it all. On large W swells & minus tides the sand covered bottom at The Cove churns out disgusting, gurgling brown barrels with every water molecule accounted for. The Cove is what you used to draw in your notebooks at school, it is every surfer's dream wave.
Best Season: Fall, Winter. Direction: W, NW. Size: 3'-10'. Tide: Low. Wind: E.
Bottom: Sand, Cobblestone. Rating: Advanced. Daily Surf Report
MUSSEL SHOALS: Aka, LITTLE RINCON, this is a premier right point that breaks
over a rocky bottom. Most people line up as close as they can to the S side of the pier
& race it down the line. However, if you're brave enough, or stupid enough, the N side of
the pier can offer an intense right-hand barrel in front of an cliff followed by a nervous
trip through the pilings.
OFFRAMPS: Located immediately off Highway 101 at the Seacliff exit, this punchy right-
hander breaks best during a peaky windswell. It has great potential.
HOBSON'S: Mushy but assertive family beachbreak in front of a nice campground.
FARIA COUNTY PARK: The south end of the beach can serve up a jaw-clenching left
during a solid winter swell. Other than that Faria is nothing out of the ordinary.
PITAS POINT: An exceptional right-hand point that works best during solid W swells &
minus tides. Can be anything from a grinding barrel to a soft right wall. When the
elements come together, it is one of the most underrated waves in the area. Best Season:
Fall, Winter. Direction: W, NW. Size: 4'-10'. Tide: Low. Wind: E. Bottom: Sand,
Cobblestone. Rating: Advanced.
SOLIMAR BEACH: Consists of three distinct surfing areas: SOLIMAR POINT,
SOLIMAR REEF, & SOLIMAR BEACHBREAK. All three can get good at any time during
the year but people usually surf other spots when a decent swell is thundering through.
SUMMER BEACH: Sub-standard beachbreak with a natural tendency to close out.
EMMA WOOD: Peaky beachbreak which sporadically offers a few good waves. There
are three main areas to surf: MUSHPOT & THE RIGHT break close to shore, while a big-wave spot named VENTURA OVERHEAD rumbles to life on an outside patch of reef. Ventura Overhead is probably the most distinguished big-wave spot in Ventura County, but it only breaks a handful of times each year. Rocky bottom.
CALIFORNIA STREET (C STREET): Long right-point with three distinct take-offs.
“C” Street breaks on practically any swell but it's those powerful W & NW swells that
occasionally connect all three zones (1. 2 mile) which make it a surfer's delight. The three
take-off zones include:
PIPE: The top of the point is a constantly changing right heavily dependent on shifting sand & cobblestone. Consistent quality makes it very crowded. Different swells bring out its different moods, but it is fabulous with a clean, overhead swell.
STABLES: A set that swings wide of the pack at Pipe will inevitably break on the take- off zone for Stables. It isn't regularly surfed but if you're in the right place it can still offer an excellent right & even a bashable left on the right tide. Stables is most popular among longboarders who like to connect waves here clear to the inside section.
INSIDE “C” STREET: With a low tide and a fierce winter swell pushing through, Inside “C” Street will line-up as well as any other wave in the world. This wave is fast & rippable. On an average day it is a mushy, right wall very popular with longboarders who utilize its exemplary shape to their nose-riding advantage. Best Season: Fall, Winter. Direction: W, NW. Size: 3'-10'. Tide: Low. Wind: E. Bottom: Sand, Cobblestone. Rating: Advanced. Daily Surf Report. Webcam.
SEVEN JETTIES: Average beachbreak with two distinct jetties:
NEW JETTY: During large southwest swells the New Jetty can offer a decent left next to a thirty yard rock groyne. Most of the time it's not worth the paddle. Sometimes
creates a wedging effect making a step peak off of the backwash.
SOUTH JETTY: It used to be one of the best waves in Ventura but a big breakwater extension in 1995 rendered it useless. At least it keeps the crowds down.
MCGRATH STATE BEACH. SANTA CLARA RIVERMOUTH: This stretch of coast is a
well exposed and receives waves from all directions. During the winter heavy run-off from
the Santa Clara River can produce a perfect, triangular-shaped sandbar capable of
churning out long barrels fanning out in both directions. When the river-mouth is breaking
you'll probably catch some of the steepest and most exhilarating rides of your life. Best
Season: F & W. Direction: W, NW. Size: 3'-10'. Tide: Low. Wind: East. Bottom: Sand
POWER PLANT: Average beachbreak. Gigantic piece of uncrowded sand. Enter at
Mandalay Beach Park.
OXNARD SHORES: A flawless series of sandbars ideal for surfing during the fall. A
direct hit from the west will rattle off spectacular A-frame barrels with a surprising lack
of crowds. Despite its apparent serenity, tread softly and mind your own business out
there. Advanced
HOLLYWOOD BEACH: Tempting beachbreak located next to Channel Islands Harbor.
It doesn't do south swells, but winter breaks overhead and better. Near Oxnard Road.
SILVER STRAND: There are three main surfing areas in Silver Strand:
THE SHIP: Located on the south end of Silver Strand, The Ship is an intense sandbar that ricochets off the south jetty into a solid left wall. Advanced
THE BOWL: The locals here take tremendous pride in their Bowl, so think smart before paddling out. W swells blast this area to produce mind-blowing barrels spinning both ways. The Bowl has the potential to fire given any decent swell & Santa Anas.
THE JETTY: Situated on the N end of the beach, The Jetty is a softer right & a punchy left that breaks next to the northern jetty in winter W & NW swells. Most popular with surfers not looking for unnecessary confrontation. Advanced.
PORT HUENEME: Access via Arnold Road to waves that are your standard beachbreak
mix, which for some unexplained reason carries a serious local vibe. One of the few spots
that breaks on a SW. The north end of the pier works with NW swells.
ORMOND BEACH: Isolated beach right by the Missile Range which picks up SW swells.
SUPERTUBES: A fickle right-hand barrel that rarely breaks. When it's on it's one of
the best top-to-bottom barrels in California. Not surprisingly, it's often crowded during
even the slightest hint of swell. If you're in the area during a huge NW swell, minus low
tide, & a light offshore wind give it a look; otherwise, don't even bother. Expert.
COUNTY LINE: Where Little Sycamore Canyon Road meets the ocean is a rippable
beachbreak. point combo, offering remarkably good waves with easy access. The far
north end of the beach shoots off an impressive right ideal for multiple smacks. Well-
shaped peaks line the rest of beach. The local vibe is mellow and forgiving. Overall, a
solid call if you're in the area. Best Season: Summer, Fall . Direction: SW. Size: 2'-8'.
Tide: Med.. Wind: NE. Bottom: Sand, Rock. Rating: Int.. Daily Surf Report. Webcam
STAIRCASE: A mile above Leo Carrillo at the County Line sign on PCH, a path down the
arroyo leads to a rock bottom beach that breaks in any waist- to chest-high swell.
LEO CARRILLO: The typical wave here breaks near a big rock outside and then reforms
on the inside. A tight take-off area makes it difficult to catch waves if more than five
people are in the water. It will break on practically any swell but a S or SW generally
lines up better. Most of the time Leo Carrillo is plagued with wave-hogging longboarders.
Best Season: Summer, Fall. Direction: S, SW. Size: 2'-8'. Tide: Medium. Wind: NW.
Bottom: Rock, Sand. Rating: Intermediate. Daily Surf Report. Webcam
