18th St. Jetty is a surf spot located at the jetty in a popular beach area. It’s known for its easy access, although parking can get tricky during the summer months. If you’re heading out, make sure to bring some change for parking meters.
When the conditions are right, especially with a strong east-northeast swell, you can find decent lefts breaking off the groin. The wave size can range from around knee to head high (about 1 to 2.1 meters) and typically breaks over sand. The spot handles swell sizes from 3ft to 7ft (about 0.9 to 2.1 meters) and can work well with swell coming from various east and southeast directions. The preferred wind directions are west-southwest, west, and northwest. Keep in mind that the lefts can be a bit drifty when they’re working, and strong northeast winds can create challenging paddling conditions and current issues, usually moving north to south.
In terms of ability, this spot caters to beginners, intermediates, and even experts at times. Though it can get crowded, the currents may help spread out the surfers a bit. The local vibe tends to be mellow overall. Late summer, early fall, and early spring are the best times to hit this spot. Bring your shortboard, funboard, longboard, fish, or SUP, and enjoy the ride!