Overview
Santa Ana River Jetties is a consistent rivermouth setup with hollow lefts and rights over shallow sand between the two jetties. It is the most consistent spot in Newport, with punchy surf most days and occasional exceptional days on a good combo or tropical swell.
The shape changes a lot with the sandbars. Lefts are often faster and more common on south swells, while winter can make the break peakier.
When It Works
The spot is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. It likes south through west-southwest to northwest swell, with southwest as the optimal direction. It can also work on short-period west and west-northwest swell, plus north and south hemi combo swells.
Spring, summer, and autumn are the main seasons, especially March through October, but some west or northwest swells can make it good in winter too.
Wind and Tide
Low tide is best, and a rising tide is better. The offshore wind is northeast, including Santa Ana conditions. Westerly winds can blow it out easily.
Local Tips
This is a fast shortboard-style wave, better suited to intermediate surfers and above. Shortboards, fish, bodyboards, and bodysurfing all fit here.
Crowds are usually busy, and they can get aggressive when it’s on. The lineup is somewhat reserved, but capable surfing is generally accepted.
The water quality is not great, and it can be toxic after big rain. Getting sick or picking up infections is a real concern here.
Access
Parking is limited. There is roadside parking with some free street options and a few meters, while the Huntington side is paid. Double-check street sweeping signs, especially when parking looks unusually easy.
