Windansea
San Diego, USA
Reef breakAdvanced
San Diego's most storied surf break, Windansea is a raw, rocky reef break with a legendary counterculture history and a demanding wave that has shaped the city's surf identity for decades.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
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 and reef
Shape
Short, powerful, punchy peaks, fast takeoff over a shallow, irregular reef
Length
30–80m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced
- •Why: The reef is unpredictable, the takeoff is steep, and the famous Windansea locals expect solid surfing.
Hazards
- •Very shallow, irregular reef, serious injury risk on wipeouts
- •Tight, territorial lineup
- •Rocky entry and exit with surge
- •Sea urchins throughout the reef
Local Tips
- •The famous thatched palapa hut above the break marks the entry channel, use it as a reference.
- •Windansea shines on a solid overhead NW swell with light offshores, anything else and the reef shows its uglier side.
Location
32.8297, -117.2820