The Surf Window

Upper Trestles

Orange County, USA

Reef breakIntermediate

Just upstream from its famous sibling, Upper Trestles is a more relaxed reef break in the San Onofre State Beach corridor, less intense, less crowded, and great for developing surfers.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size3-8ft

Wind

NE

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

October–March

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Right (primary), occasional left

Bottom

Rock reef and sand

Shape

Walling rights with gentler sections than Lower Trestles, more forgiving shape

Length

50–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: The reef is shallower at low tide but the wave shape is more mellow than Lowers, a great learning ground.

Hazards

  • •Rocky reef at low tide
  • •The 1.5km walk in brings fatigue before you even paddle out
  • •Shared trails with crowds spilling over from Lowers on good days

Local Tips

  • •Upper Trestles is a smart choice when Lowers is maxed out or the queue is impenetrable.
  • •The trail system is beautiful, take the longer loop back for a scenic Californian cool-down.

Location

Map showing the location of Upper Trestles in Orange County, USA

33.3845, -117.5945