Long Beach surf guide

Long Beach is a popular surf spot located on the west coast, stretching from Wickaninnish Beach in the south to Schooner Cove in the north, covering roughly 10 miles. In surfing terms, though, most people focus on the stretch of about half a mile between Lovekin Rock and Incinerator Rocks. This area gets a decent amount of swell, especially at the Lovekin zone, which curves outward and faces more west, providing consistent banks on both sides.

When it comes to surfing here, you'll find waves ranging from waist high (about 1 meter) to about overhead and a half (around 4.5 meters). The north side features an a-frame peak, offering slopey lefts that peel down the beach and a steeper, walled right that breaks towards the rocks, creating a handy rip current for an easy paddle back. On the south side, conditions can change a lot; it gets shallower and dredgier as everything aligns. Swell comes in from a variety of directions including South, South Southwest, and West, breaking mainly over sand. The spot works best on mid to high tide on the north side and low to mid tide on the south side. Ideal wind directions are from the north or northeast.

Getting in and out can be tricky – expect some long paddles back to the lineup, and beware of the strong currents near Lovekin Rock. Summer crowds can swell with surfers and beachgoers, but in winter, it can be surprisingly mellow. If you're lucky and willing to brave the drive, you might snag some solo time in the water, especially since sandbars can be hit or miss later in the year. Overall, it's a spot that can fit surfers of all levels, whether you ride a shortboard, fish, funboard, or longboard. Just watch out for the sea lions on the south side; they're known to be a bit aggressive!