Lowers

Surf Guide

The apex of everything surf in Southern California - peak action, A-framing rights and lefts and even a peek-a-boo view from the freeway. Lowers IS Ground Zero for high-octane surfing. Offering forgivably rippable walls going either way, Lower Trestles only closes out on the rarest of swells.If there's a sniff of south swell in the water, Lowers will welcome it with open arms. But if there's a puff of south wind, Lowers will shut down quicker than 5:00pm on Wall Street.Don't expect to score Lowers uncrowded either (even on full moon nights). Watch any set roll through and you'll see two (or more) surfers taking off in either direction, which often makes things frustrating for even the biggest name pro surfers. But if you manage to wrangle one to yourself, hold on because you're in for one of the best rides Southern California can offer.

Ability Level

Intermediate - Advanced

BegIntAdv

Average to above average

Local Vibe

Intimidating

WelcomingIntimidating

Hungry, aggressive, competitive, but mostly cordial.

Crowd Factor

Heavy

MellowHeavy

Lowers is a zoo, sometimes crowded even at night. Elsewhere is moderate, but can also be a zoo.

Spot Rating

Perfect

PoorPerfect

The bar for rippable cobblestone peaks worldwide.

Shoulder Burn

Exhausting

LightExhausting

If the paddle back after a long right doesn't get your shoulders burning, jockeying for the next good set wave will. Considerably less work for the left.

Water Quality

Fair

CleanDirty

Typically ok but brutal after a big rain.

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

S, SW

Wind

E, NE

Surf Height

shoulder high to double overhead

Tide

Medium-low to medium-high