New Break Surf Forecast
BREAK TYPE
A long, wrapping right reef break over submerged rock.
GOOD FOR
On a clean west or northwest swell the reef bends the wave into a long, tapering right that peels well past the takeoff. The bottom is submerged rock and cobble, giving a firm, predictable shape rather than a shifty peak. Waist to overhead is the sweet spot, with a mellow drop feeding into workable walls. Best suited to confident intermediates through experienced surfers comfortable reading reef.
BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS
WORKS BEST WITH
- Swell Direction
- SW NW W SSW
- Wind
- E NE SE
- Tide
- Mid
WHEN IT WORKS
The reef comes alive with winter northwest and west swells from roughly November through March, when Aleutian storms send in long period energy. Morning offshores off the mesa clean it up before the afternoon onshore builds. Mid to lower tide holds the shape best, while a full high tide backs the wave off. Summer south swells wrap in weaker and less consistent.
AVERAGE CROWD FACTOR
- Weekdays
- Wide Open
- Weekends
- Wide Open
WHAT TO KNOW
The main risks are the shallow rock reef at low tide, sea urchins in the shelf, and the exposed paddle back to the stairs if the swell jumps. Currents run north along the cliff on bigger days and can drift surfers off the peak quickly. Crowds stay moderate compared with the point up the coast, though a tight regular lineup means quiet respect for the pecking order goes a long way.
GETTING THERE
Street parking sits along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard near Ladera Street, filling early on weekends. The main route drops down the Ladera Street stairs, about a five minute walk from the curb to the water. Some locals scramble down cliff notches further south, though these are loose and not recommended. No restrooms, showers, or lifeguards at the stairs, so bring water and use facilities up at the park.