Uppers

Surf Guide

While the surf media limelight tends to focus itself a quarter-mile south, Upper Trestles steadily grinds out quality cobblestone righthanders that are often equally as impressive as Lowers. And if the river is flowing, Uppers can even offer a short, punchy left into the mouth. But the focus is always on the rights, especially since Uppers draws in a bit more west and northwest energy than its sister to the south.North of the rivermouth is the outer takeoff zone, which peaks up the biggest but usually sections off once the wave reaches the corner of the cobblestone point. From the corner, which offers the most bowly, rippable waves, rights run through the quasi-cove created by sediment buildup from the San Mateo Creek. And if you pick off the right wave, it's not impossible to go the entire distance -- burning your legs through upwards of 150 yards. It should be noted that the sections are directly affected by sand and cobblestone placement. Big swells and the extreme rains that cause the rivermouth to burst are the main movers and shakers of Uppers' wave quality.

Ability Level

Intermediate - Advanced

BegIntAdv

Average to above average

Local Vibe

Intimidating

WelcomingIntimidating

Hungry, aggressive, competitive, but mostly cordial. Greedy longboarders can be a problem.

Crowd Factor

Heavy

MellowHeavy

Uppers is a zoo, but every now and then...

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Rippable cobblestone point... what's not to love?

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.

Water Quality

Fair

CleanDirty

Typically ok but brutal after a big rain.

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

S, SW; also W, WNW

Wind

E, NE

Surf Height

shoulder high to double overhead

Tide

Medium-low to medium-high