Overview
Seaside is a left-hand pointbreak on the northern Oregon coast, peeling over a bottom of rock and slimy boulders along Tillamook Head. It's a genuinely excellent wave and one of the standout points in the region. The point throws out long, wrapping left walls, and there are two main takeoffs: the longer First Point out in front of the boulders, and a shorter but slightly punchier Second Point farther out.
When It Works
The point draws swell from south-southwest to west-northwest (SSW-WNW) and is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. It comes into its own through autumn and winter, roughly September into February, when a solid swell and clean winds line up. On the right day it's as good as anywhere around.
Wind and Tide
Look for offshore east (E) wind, with a workable window running from east to east-southeast (E-ESE). Because the point tucks in along Tillamook Head, south winds are blocked, which helps it stay clean on midwinter days. It breaks across low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
There's room here for a range of boards, from shortboards and fish to funboards and longboards, and the wave can suit surfers from beginner through to expert depending on the day. Expect a busy lineup when it's firing, but the atmosphere in the water is very friendly.
Access
For Seaside Point and Cove, exit Highway 101 onto Avenue U, the first stoplight at the south end of town. Follow Avenue U to the first left onto Edgewood, bear left, and carry on until the point comes into view. Park in one of the spaces on the right side of the road, overlooking the cove with the point reeling in the distance.
