Florence South Jetty Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SW, W
Wind
E, SE
Surf Height
Waist-head high
Tide
Low for the left inside the river; high for the South Jetty area.
Florence South Jetty Surf Guide
The due-west-facing beach is wide and flat, unraveling for miles to the south. It's mostly rights, since the jetty extends seaward and bends in nearly parallel to the beach. The currents can be brutal, and the surf isn't rideable unless it's small and clean. There's also a great, low-tide left that breaks inside of the harbor entrance, right on the other side from the open beach. Requiring a big swell to work correctly, it's wedgy and hollow, peaking near the jetty and peeling into a deep river channel. It's sheltered from all winds except straight westerlies, so it's a great spot to check when the ocean is huge and out-of-control with S winds throughout the wintertime. The wave is subject to the whims of the entrance's ebbing and rising currents, and it's possible that you could get sucked out of position, either out toward the open ocean or into the river.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Intermediate-Advanced
Local Vibe
Intimidating
Spray painted in red on a log near the inner left reads "Southside Locals Hate You."
Crowd Factor
Moderate
South jetty is open prairie; the left is another matter entirely. This place holds five surfers max, and none of them have California license plates.
Spot Rating
Poor
Kinda fun.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Not too bad.
Water Quality
Clean
Mostly clean.
Hazards
South side hate-mongers, moderate shark danger.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard
Access
To the brown-signed South Jetty Dune and Beach access road. There's a kiosk a half-mile down, where you have to fork out $3 to enter the jetty area. From there, it's about a six-mile drive through the dunes to the jetty itself. At its very end, the road becomes unpaved, pockmarked and riddled with sharp, tire-piercing rocks, so take it slow.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
March-February
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