Overview
Surfside Jetty is a sandy beachbreak tucked into the gated community of Surfside, just south of Seal Beach. When south swells hammer the Huntington Harbor jetty, the energy bounces off the rocks and forms clean A-frame wedges at two distinct peaks known as "The Bowl" and "The Hole." There's also a right-hand bomb that breaks off the jetty at the north end of the beach. Expect heavy waves and heavy currents when it turns on.
When It Works
The spot draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with southwest the best match. West swells prefer mid and long-period energy, 16 seconds and up. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, from shoulder-high on up to a few feet overhead. It's moderately consistent, with worthwhile windows when the setup lines up, and it holds a good wave when it's on. Best on solid west or northwest swells from November through February, though solid south swells can also deliver, and it can break across spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast offshore wind; glassy mornings and easterly or northeasterly Santa Anas are the call, since onshore northwest winds can be unrelenting through summer after about 10:00am. It's best on a low tide, with a rising tide generally the better bet.
Local Tips
Surfside suits intermediate surfers, and shortboards, fish, and bodyboards all work well here. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's on, with the peaks off the jetty highly contested. When it's working, you'll be working too, so aim for early morning on a lower tide. Keep an eye out for stingrays and baby white sharks, and note the water isn't great after rain, with tar to watch for on the sand.
Access
Park at Anderson Street and walk up the beach to reach the break.
