Ocean Beach
NorCal, USA
Beach breakAdvanced
San Francisco's wild, fog-shrouded beach break faces the open Pacific with raw ferocity, a moody, powerful stretch that rewards patience and punishes the unprepared.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size3-8ft
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
Any
LowMidHigh
Season
October–March
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Both
Bottom
Sand (with shifting sandbars)
Shape
Powerful, sometimes hollow beach break peaks, can be world-class on its day
Length
50–150m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced
- •Why: Powerful shore break, heavy rips, cold water, and relentless onshore wind make this a demanding stretch of coast.
Hazards
- •Notorious rip currents and shore pound
- •Cold water year-round (12–14°C)
- •Frequent onshore NW wind
- •Sharks (great whites patrol the nearby Farallon Islands)
Local Tips
- •The south end near Sloat Blvd often has the best sandbars and slightly more shelter from the wind.
- •Dawn sessions in autumn and early winter offer the cleanest conditions before the marine layer burns off.
Location
37.7683, -122.5135