Haggertys surf guide

Haggertys is a surf spot located by the old Haggerty estate, also known as Malaga Cove. It’s a well-known area that has seen its fair share of surfing history here in California. Access to the spot is via a trail in the 500 block of Paseo del Mar at Via Chino. The beach can get busy, but there’s always a mix of surfers looking to catch waves, especially during the winter months.

The surf at Haggertys produces thick lefts off the rocky headland. The main peak, which is right at the base of the church parking lot, starts breaking at around 4ft (1.2m). It works best with a Northwest swell. Just be aware of the shallow rocks near the take-off zone—these can make it tricky, especially with drop-ins from other surfers. Both Lower Hags, which is a slower left that works best on West swells, and Upper Hags, which picks up at around 6ft (2m) and has long walls, are part of the lineup here. Upper Hags is also best when there's a big West swell, and a missed wave here could send you right over the reef. If you're heading to Upper Hags, you’ll want to paddle up from the main peak.

For those looking to make the most of the surf, it’s good to know that Haggertys handles swell sizes starting from about 2ft (0.6m) and prefers a swell coming from the West, although Southwest and Northwest swells can work too. The waves break over boulders and you can expect left-hand point waves here. The best time to surf is during low to mid tide, and it's ideal to have a Southeast wind to get the best conditions. This spot is recommended for intermediate surfers, so keep that in mind when you hit the water.