Short Sands Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NW, N or big S
Wind
NW at Long Sands, S at Short Sands
Surf Height
Head high-2X overhead
Tide
Incoming
Short Sands Surf Guide
The nine or so miles from Ecola Creek south to Falcon Cove (including Tolovana Beach and Cannon Beach proper) is basically all beachbreak, thus surfable only when small and clean. The mouth of Ecola Creek occasionally has a good bar. Just south of Cape Falcon, most North Coast denizens choose Oswald West State Park, aka Short Sands Beach, as their premier spot due to its wind protection and sand bottom. The surf can either be peaky and hollow or soft and mushy, depending on the tide and swell factor. It's a horseshoe cove, so the place is safe from all but W winds. Nonetheless, Short Sands is hardly a substantial spot -- more like a retreat from the wind than a good place to log tube time.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Beginner-Advanced
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Mellow.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Moderate, depending on swell.
Spot Rating
Fun
Fun.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Not too bad.
Water Quality
Clean
Minimal and nothing really to worry about.
Hazards
Freezing water temps in Winter.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard
Access
Easy, but Short Sands is off limits in summer.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
September-February
Do you have local knowledge about Short Sands?
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