Surf’s Up at These San Clemente Surf Breaks
San Clemente makes up the fabric of the world of surfing like few other beach towns around the world. A special place, these iconic breaks are where pros and up-and-coming surfers alike share the lineup. In this list we have put together the top surf breaks in San Clemente, where surf etiquette is second nature and respect is truly palpable. Whether you're a surfer passing through or a local who grew up on these waves, you’ll get a show no matter what break you’re at!
San Clemente Pier: North and Southside
We couldn’t kick off this list without first paying respect to the North and South side of San Clemente Pier. This exposed beach break has consistent surf no matter the time of year due to the sandbar. The tides won’t have you checking your watch as much as other spots, which is a definite perk. Crowded in the summers because of its prime location, you can find it clearing out during local’s summer (once school is back in session and just before it cools down). Locals know a favorable Northeast wind is best, but groundswells consistently cruise through year-round and a Southwest swell can be your BFF. Whether you're riding a shortboard or single fin, you’ll definitely find a fun section here. NOTE: On bigger swells the wave hollows out and you’ll catch some of the best local surfers sectioning in the most rippable spots.
T-Street
Trafalgar street, also known as T-Street, is known for its consistency no matter if it’s flat everywhere else on the west coast. Just below the pier and right above the famous T-street bridge you’ll catch a mostly local crowd enjoying this famous break where several surf legend’s have made a name for themselves like the Gudauskas brothers and Kolohe Andino. Unlike the sand bottoms by the pier, the reef here sets this local favorite apart. A solid offshore wind can smooth out any texture for a perfect ride. T-Street is prime in the summer with a south swell and can be surfed before 10am on weekends, 11am on weekdays and anytime after 6pm. The “Black Ball” rule of no hard bottom boards applies between Memorial Day and Labor Day but that shouldn’t stop you from dawn patrolling or sunset surfing this classic wave. Catch this local spot in the off season, completely open, with some peaky waves and hollowed out A-frame barrels if you’re lucky.
Trestles
The holy trinity of California surfing can easily be boiled down to Trestles, aka: Uppers, Middles and Lowers (which are truly in another echelant of surf breaks). Uppers is a quality right wave just north of the point, and in the fall or winter with a west swell you can find some fun rides with a little more character than its counterparts. Middles is a great right and left break that is a tad more unpredictable as its shape isn’t as idyllic as Lowers (where you can slide into a hollowed out overhead wave with the right conditions). Lowers is the golden child of the trinity and is even where the World Surf League holds its annual surf competition. Hollow barrels, thanks to the San Mateo point, offer a recognizable wave in any photo and sets this break apart on a global level. With a light offshore wind you couldn’t ask for more perfection.
Cottons Point
With its often long and flat breaks, Cottons Point offers a clean canvas for cut-backs and style. If you can catch Cottons on a larger south swell with a filled in tide you’ll see it transform into a high performance wave. The sand bar and tide play a major factor, but with a little patience and timing you just might catch your best wave ever.
Church
A great wave and half the Trestles crowd? Sign us up! Church (or “Churches”) is the furthest beach south of Trestles and it is truly a classic. You’ll see generations of surfers sharing this funky spot that works best with a west swell. If you love rights, this break might be your perfect match. Known for its long rides, Church will keep you coming back for more. HOT TIP: On weekdays you just might catch this break all to yourself.
San Onofre
The mecca of longboarding and pure style, San Onofre welcomes all levels of surfing and is truly a slice of surf heaven. Upon entering the state beach you teleport straight into the 60s/70s where you’re greeted by pure Aloha and an “open door” mentality of sharing the waves. A true playground for all but make sure to know your surf etiquette though as this is training grounds to some of the best longboarders, like the San Onofre Surfing Club and Hawaiian Surf Club. With its thick sense of community and waves cruising through year round, San O is a household name in the surfing world.
