Surf: Occasionally epic, long wintertime sandbar lefts north of Newport Pier, in front of Blackie’s Bar. The rights do exist but pale in comparison. Better with lower tides, a due W swell and a Santa Ana wind blowing. Environment: Definitely always crowded when it’s on, since it is a rare and attractive occurrence. Surf: General: A popular beach break tucked between the 28th Street jetty and the Newport Pier, Blackies has a storied history dating back to the early 1960s, but more recently became the center of the Newport logging scene. Peaky sand bars provide short, fast sections for noseriding when small, while hollow corners serve up barrels and bangable sections when the swell fills in. Tides: All tides. Size: Knee- to head-high. Wind: NE Swell: Short to mid-period WSW/W swells Bottom: Sand bar fed by a nearby jetty and pier. Paddling: You'll deal with a bit of current during long-period swells. Spot Rating: A regional classic, Blackies is the quintessential Newport beach break. Access: Pay for parking and paddle out between the pier and the jetty. Crowds: Crowd Factor: This is the heart of Newport Beach's hipster surf culture, so it gets busy. Local Vibe: Crowded enough that localism doesn't really matter, although there has definitely been a hierarchy in place for decades. Environment: Stays relatively clean as long as there isn't runoff from rainstorms. Hazards: Crowds, leashless longboards, rocks, pier supports. Season: Autumn typically provides a combination of south and west swells, as well as ideal wind and weather conditions.