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Surf forecast for Seaside Reef

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Timezone:
America/Los_Angeles
Forecast updated:
16/09, 17:00
Wind: SN UNITY Atmos
(20260917 00z)
Waves: SN UNITY WAVE
(20260917 00z)
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Seaside Reef Surf Forecast Guide

Overview

Seaside Reef is predominantly a left that sucks out on the takeoff, then flattens across the shoulder before reforming into a quick, whackable shorebreak. The right off the peak is much softer, but with a bit of effort you can milk it along to the same inside section. It breaks over a mix of sand and rock and earns its reputation as a rippable reef. On smaller days with a high tide, the inside shorebreak turns into a fun option of its own.

When It Works

The spot draws swell from west to west-northwest (W-WNW) and is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. Size ranges from shoulder-high up to a few feet overhead, and on extreme low tides the left can throw some serious tubes. The season runs through autumn and winter, roughly November to March, and the wave quality is good when it lines up.

Wind and Tide

Look for east-northeast (ENE) offshore wind, with a workable window stretching from north-northeast through east to southeast (NNE-E-SE). It breaks on low and mid tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call. Keep in mind that low tide brings the risk of face plants on the reef.

Local Tips

Seaside Reef suits intermediate and expert surfers, and it rewards a shortboard, fish, or bodyboard depending on the day. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it works, and be ready for a tight takeoff zone at the peak. The atmosphere leans a little reserved but is mostly mellow.

Access

Getting in here could not be any easier.

Surf spots near Seaside Reef

Sandbox
California, United States
Beach break
Thu 17
Fri 18
Sat 19
Sun 20
Mon 21
Georges
California, United States
Beach break
Thu 17
Fri 18
Sat 19
Sun 20
Mon 21
Seaside Reef/South Cardiff State Beach
California, United States
Reef break
Thu 17
Fri 18
Sat 19
Sun 20
Mon 21
Tabletop/Solana Cove
California, United States
Beach break
Thu 17
Fri 18
Sat 19
Sun 20
Mon 21
Seaside Reef
California, United States
Beach break, Reef break
Thu 17
Fri 18
Sat 19
Sun 20
Mon 21

Frequently asked questions

What are good surfing conditions for Seaside Reef?

Seaside Reef is usually best with west to west-northwest (W-WNW) swell around 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, wind from north-northeast through east to southeast (NNE-E-SE), with east-northeast (ENE) offshore, and low to mid tide.

Where is the surf spot Seaside Reef?

Seaside Reef is a surf spot in Encinitas, California, United States.

What is the surf break like at Seaside Reef?

Wave types at Seaside Reef are beach and reef. Waves at Seaside Reef break right and left. Seaside Reef breaks over sand and rock. Expect a moderate crowd and a somewhat reserved lineup.

What season is best for surfing Seaside Reef?

The main surf season at Seaside Reef is autumn and winter.

What surfing skill level is Seaside Reef suitable for?

Seaside Reef can suit intermediate and expert surfers.

Is Seaside Reef beginner friendly for surfing?

Seaside Reef is better suited to intermediate and expert surfers.

What surfboards work at Seaside Reef?

Shortboard, Fish, and Bodyboard are common choices at Seaside Reef.

What surf spots are near Seaside Reef?

Other nearby surf spots are Seaside Reef/South Cardiff State Beach, Tabletop/Solana Cove, Georges, and Sandbox.

What swell direction works for surfing at Seaside Reef?

Seaside Reef can work with swell from west to west-northwest (W-WNW).

What swell size works for surfing at Seaside Reef?

Seaside Reef usually works with swell around 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft.

What wind direction is best for surfing at Seaside Reef?

Seaside Reef usually works with wind from north-northeast through east to southeast (NNE-E-SE); east-northeast (ENE) is offshore.

What wind direction is offshore for surfing at Seaside Reef?

East-northeast (ENE) is offshore at Seaside Reef.

What tide works best for surfing at Seaside Reef?

Seaside Reef works best around low to mid tide. A rising tide is usually better here.

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