Biggest surfing waves in SoCal during the summer?

Question

Where are some good surfing spots that have big waves in Southern California during the summer?

Answer 1

First off look at surf reports before you hit the beach. The swell matters more than the spot. If you're new to the sport make sure you're far away from other surfers so you dont get in there way because there are rules to surfing too now that you will eventually learn. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

lots of places pick up the southies... and contrary to what some of the answers are saying... spot matters.  some spots are swell magnets.  I have been surfing in south OC for years... not going to tell you my favorite spots (sorry but crowds make me angry... lol)... but both will be 4-6 when everywhere else is 2-4.  

Newport picks it up good.  Blacks, Tamarack (very occasionally)...  check out wannasurf.com to view all the surf spots.  It will tell you when and where to go

Answer 3

it depends more on the swell than the spot.

if your learning how to surf stay away from malibu, but otherwise it's usually fun.

Answer 4

You're not gonna find much, but it also depends on what you're looking for. The summer here is the worst season,  its not comparable to the East Coast, but its certainly not the best. Then again, I have a ski, so its not too big a deal for me.

Also, what qualifies as big waves for you? That is, big to me is 10-12 ft. Its not unlikely you'll find good 5-6 ft at some spots this summer. Well, Jamala gets some decent swell during the summer, more so than other spots, its most definately better in the early morning, and I mean really early. Get there while its still dark. Sandspit has some gnarly barrels, though when it goes off it seems like everyone in SoCal is there. You could also try El Capitan or Tarpits, the latter of which has some decent barrels and during a strong south swell there's a nice left to the south, which as a goofy foot I def. appreciate. But really, there's not much in the way of big waves during the summer. But, you have the always reliable Rincon. Enough said. You could also check out Blacks, which is probably the best beachbreak around, its good on any swell with west in it, works best on low tide, but when it gets large, which it can, its less tide sensitive. But, its a bit of a hike to get there, and its kind of gross to see a ton of naked dudes on the beach (its a nude beach), but the waves are worth it. Your best bet for bigger waves might be to head south, of the border that is. Grab a few friends, a 4x4 and go explore, its definately worth it. Careful, though.

Answer 5

Summer is downtime for OC waves.  But if you want to see some huge waves, check-out the wedge in Newport.  It cranks with a SW swell.

Answer 6

defenitely the wedge and tarpits

Answer 7

The Wedge =P

Answer 8

the wedge