Princeton Jetty surf guide

Princeton Jetty is located at the end of Princeton Harbor, just a short distance from the famous Maverick's surf spot. While it might not attract the same attention, it's a solid place to catch some waves when conditions are right. This spot is generally well protected, making it a good option when the swells are huge at Maverick's. The surf here can range from small to head-high, with some days offering decent waves bouncing off the jetty and beach breaks further south. However, don’t expect it to be firing every day; it can be hit or miss.

The surf at Princeton Jetty works best with swells coming from the south and southwest, handling sizes from about 3 feet (0.9 meters) to 8 feet (2.4 meters). You can usually find fun little right wedges forming next to the jetty when a good SW swell hits, although that’s a rare and nice surprise. It’s a nice spot for both beginners and intermediates, especially during the spring, summer, and autumn months. The wind is generally favorable coming from the north and northeast, and it works best on mid to high tide. The bottom is mostly sand with some rocks, and paddling out is pretty easy.

Access to Princeton Jetty is quite straightforward with easy parking right by the highway, just make sure to look both ways before crossing. Be prepared, as crowds can get pretty thick, and there’s often a local crew out there ready to catch waves. The vibe can get a little heated at times, especially in the takeoff zone, so keep your head on a swivel. Overall, this spot offers a good option for a fun surf day if you’re around the area and prefer to avoid the more intense crowds at Maverick's.