Overview
Blackies is a popular Newport beach break tucked between the 28th Street jetty and Newport Pier, in front of Blackie’s Bar. It has a long history and is a regional classic, with sand bars that can offer short, fast noseriding sections when small and hollower corners when the swell fills in.
The standout wave is the left. Rights do show up, but they are usually less interesting.
When It Works
Blackies is somewhat inconsistent, but it can get very good when the pieces line up. It is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft.
The main swell window runs from south through west-southwest to northwest, with west as the optimal swell direction. Short to mid-period west-southwest and west swells are a common setup. Autumn and winter are the key seasons, with winter capable of producing rare, long sandbar lefts.
Wind and Tide
The offshore wind direction is northeast. A Santa Ana wind can be a good sign here.
It can work on all tides, but low tide is best, and a rising tide is better.
Local Tips
Blackies suits intermediate surfers and a wide range of boards, including shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, and bodyboards.
It gets busy, especially when it is on, and the lineup can feel somewhat reserved. Watch for crowds, leashless longboards, rocks, and the pier supports. During long-period swells, expect a bit of current.
Access
Paddle out between the pier and the jetty. Parking options include roadside/free parking, with paid parking also noted nearby. The water generally stays fairly clean unless there is runoff after rain.
