Manhattan Beach Pier Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SW, WSW, W, WNW combo swells
Wind
E, SE
Surf Height
chest-high to double overhead
Tide
low to medium
Manhattan Beach Pier Surf Guide
The best bets for good surf are mixed, combo swells and hope for defined sandbars. All spots south of Manhattan are increasingly shadowed from south/summer swell and rely primarily on southwest, west, and northwest swells. Marine Street is usually the best south swell spot in Manhattan. The beachbreaks are usually walled with some better-shaped waves near the Manhattan Pier.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Beginner to intermediate
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Minor.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Usually pretty spread out.
Spot Rating
Poor
Typically a hopeless closeout but can be really good when the rest of SoCal struggles.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Not bad when it is small, plenty of work to be had when it is pumping.
Water Quality
Fair
It's the middle of LA.
Hazards
Negotiating closeouts.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, Bodyboard, Skimming, Bodysurfing
Access
Easy, various local streets and lots.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
October-April
Do you have local knowledge about Manhattan Beach Pier?
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