Overview
Sunset Cliffs is a collection of reef and point breaks along a rocky, cliff-lined coast, breaking over limestone reef and rock heads studded with sharp mollusks. A thick kelp bed sitting several hundred yards outside the lineup smooths the bump out of westerly wind, so the Cliffs stay rideable when nearby beaches are blown out. The waves peel both right and left, and the setup earns a solid reputation, running from fun and a little wonky to near perfect depending on which reef you find.
When It Works
The Cliffs draw swell from west-southwest to west-northwest (WSW-WNW) and are usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. Most of the reefs only really switch on once the surf is overhead, so bigger swells reward the effort. Autumn, winter, and spring are the prime windows, with October through March the best stretch, though it can be good year-round. Expect long flat spells through summer.
Wind and Tide
Look for offshore wind from the east-northeast (ENE), with a workable wind window running from north-northeast through east to southeast (NNE-E-SE). Thanks to that outside kelp, the Cliffs can also handle light onshore wind from the north to northwest. Wave speed is largely set by the tide: low to mid tide is best, and a rising tide is generally the better call. On mid to high tide, weaker swells can slow down or fade out.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate and expert surfers, and it takes a range of boards, from shortboards and fish to funboards and longboards. Expect a busy lineup when it's working, with a friendly feel in the water.
Access
Getting in and out is difficult. Many spots require navigating cliff trails and long walks, and the breaks out at the point need boat access. Long paddles through seagrass and kelp are normal. Take extra care around high tide on a big swell, when entering and exiting over the cliffs becomes especially hazardous.
