Surf Forecast Coos Bay-Bastendorff Beach
Predictions
Other stuff
Coos Bay-Bastendorff Beach surfspot characteristics
More about Coos Bay-Bastendorff Beach surfspot
South of the dunes and moated by a complex system of bays and estuaries, the North Bend/Coos Bay area is the epicenter of surfing in south-central Oregon, thanks to a complex system of rocky headlands and coves leading out to Cape Arago. First stop on the Cape Arago Highway is the popular Bastendorff Beach, a wide, sandy cove flanked by Yoakam Head and the south jetty at the entrance to Coos Bay. Offshore on winter S winds, the various peaks are loosely divided into spots like South End, Gray Houses, Middles, Crappers (a.k.a. Shitters), and North End. All tides except extreme high and low. Rips at point or jetty ends, depending on swell direction. There are several regularly-surfed spots further out on the Cape, including Simpson’s Reef, which one regular describes as “a hard-breaking, rocky-climb-down-the-bluff, time-your-entry, sucking wave right inside the largest concentrated sea-mammal haulout in the Pacific Northwest.”
General: One of the central hubs of the Southern Oregon surf scene, Coos Bay is an idyllic slice of the great Pacific Northwest. The coastline is defined by a myriad of rocky headlands and coves which hold plenty of potential for great waves. For those looking to learn to surf in the chilly waters, Bastendorff Beach is a great option. The first stop on the Cape Arago Highway, this large, sandy stretch of beach enjoys protection from the regular S winds, thanks to Yoakam Head. Down around the south jetty, various peaks are loosely divided into spots like South End, Gray Houses, Middles, Crappers aka Shitters, and North End. There are several regularly surfed spots further out on the Cape, including Simpson’s Reef, which is a sucking righthander for only the most adventurous surfers with a heap of experience. Tides: Breaks on most tides, except for extreme high and low swings. Size: Waist-high to several feet overhead. Wind: SE Swell: W, W-NW Bottom: Bastendorff Beach is a user-friendly beachbreak that enjoys some shelter from local S winds. Other setups in the area are more exposed, and more challenging, depending on the conditions. Paddling: Depends on where you paddle out at Coos Bay, but doing it in a 5-mil wetsuit, hood, booties and gloves is never easy, especially when it’s pumping. Spot Rating: Playful when it’s small, challenging when it’s big. There’s something for everyone around Coos Bay.
There’s something for everyone along this stretch of the Oregon coast, as long as the Pacific Ocean cooperates.
Explore the Cape Arago Highway and you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.
There’s no shortage of swell in these waters during the winter months. The trick is being there when it’s clean enough to surf.
Crowd Factor: The epicenter of South Oregon surfing, but it’s not exactly Lower Trestles. At least not yet. Local Vibe: They’re mellow if you’re mellow.
Bastendorff is one of the most polluted spots in the NW; some local regulars report skin problems. Paul George, who used to run the now closed Rocky Point Surf Shop in Coos has worked hard to cultivate aloha spirit among the surfers here, so bring a smile. Waxer's surf shop has supplies. Sharky area with strong rips when the swell is large.
One of the most polluted spots in the Pacific Northwest. Some regulars have reported skin problems.
Cold water, strong currents, big sharks, polluted water.