North HB Streets is the northernmost stretch of Huntington Beach before you reach the Cliffs, a sand-bottom beachbreak that peels both left and right. It's a rip-bowl spot at heart: find your bowl and enjoy. Most days it's a pretty typical beachbreak, but it can turn exceptional on a good combo or tropical swell, and it's rideable almost as often as the Pier, if usually not quite as shapely.
When It Works
It comes alive on a combo of swells, drawing from south-southeast through south to west-northwest (SSE-S-WNW). Open corners are hard to come by unless a few different swells are running at once, so it rewards a bit of hunting. The spot works from 1.2 m / 4 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, and it can pack a few feet more size on a long-period west-northwest swell through winter. It breaks year-round, though fall is often when it's at its best. When the swell really pumps, though, expect large rips and plenty of current.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) offshore wind, with the Santa Anas the classic setup here, and a workable wind window running from north-northwest through north to east-southeast (NNW-N-ESE). It likes low to mid tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call. A drained low tide lined up with a proper combo swell and offshore Santa Anas is when it really sings.
Local Tips
The lineup stays fairly quiet and spread out unless it's firing, with a somewhat reserved feel in the water. It suits everyone from beginners to experts, and works for just about any craft, from shortboards, fish, and funboards to longboards and bodyboards. Paddling is average most days but can be brutal on a strong south or northwest swell when the current is running. Keep an eye out for beginners on big boards, that current, and the occasional juvenile white shark out on the Huntington Flats. The water quality also isn't great after rain, especially near the drainpipes.
Access
There's free parking on the side streets and at the meters.
