Huntington Beach Pier Northside Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Combo of swells SSE, S, SW with WSW, W, WNW
Wind
NE, Santa Anas, Northside of pier offers some protection from SE wind
Surf Height
shoulder- to 3 feet overhead
Tide
medium
Huntington Beach Pier Northside Surf Guide
Huntington Beach is the alleged Surf City: a land of palm trees, riots, reform madness, body art, heat sheets, pink stucco, and a surfing Walk of Fame. Huntington, like many of Hollywood's sagging heroes of yesteryear, has undergone some major cosmetic surgery over the past few years. The Pier alone has been reconstructed some half dozen times. Mom-and-pop liquor stores and surf shops have transformed into block-sized palaces equipped with movie theaters, health food and top-rate surf goods. Like it or not, the days of Huntington as a mellow little surf town are over. Despite all the surrounding changes, the waves remain unchanged. Diehards swear by the break, claiming it's the ultimate surfer's wave, and others just laugh and say that contest organizers can have it every day of the year, for all they care. Whatever the case, there are still classic California days to be had at the Pier. Just wake up early one morning and if it's a peaky swell with Santa Ana winds, you'll side with the diehards. The division between the two main breaks is a logical one.
Ability Level
All Abilities
beginner to advanced, above average at the pier
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Can be heavy at the pier, a few grumps at Cliffs, otherwise mild
Crowd Factor
Moderate
zoo at the pier and Cliffs, everyone is spread out elsewhere
Spot Rating
Fun
7
Shoulder Burn
Medium
6, but can be a 10 on a south swell current
Water Quality
Fair
6, and State Beach can be a 10 near the Santa Ana River if it's flowing.
Hazards
Locals at the pier, pier pilings, car rip-offs at Cliffs, Southerly current, loose longboards at South Bolsa, baby white sharks at the Huntington Flats.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
free parking on side streets and meters
Bottom
sand
Best Season
year-round, but fall can be epic
Do you have local knowledge about Huntington Beach Pier Northside?
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