Seal Beach Jetty surf guide

Seal Beach Jetty is a popular surfing spot located in Seal Beach, California. It offers a mix of waves that cater to different surfing abilities, making it a go-to place for both beginners and experienced surfers. The jetty creates unique wave formations, providing both pleasant and rough conditions depending on the swell size and direction. Accessibility is straightforward; just head off PCH, take Main Street, and you'll find parking available for a small fee. The area tends to get crowded, especially with longboarders and beginners, but on good days, you'll see skilled surfers making the most of the waves.

For surfing, the best action usually happens on the north side of the pier, where you'll find waves that can range from waist-high (about 1 meter) to 3ft overhead (around 1 meter). This side tends to be more beginner-friendly with gentle swells on most days, which is great for those learning to surf. However, when the swell is pumping—particularly from the WNW—the north side can deliver some steep, challenging waves. The south side is less consistent and really only works well on bigger winter swells, where you'll see powerful, steep bowls perfect for bodyboarding and skimboarding. The waves can come in from various directions like SSE, S, WSW, and can handle swell sizes from 3ft (1 meter) to 8ft (about 2.4 meters) depending on the conditions.

The surrounding environment also plays a role in the surfing experience. Seal Beach is known for its wind conditions, often creating a glassy surface when the winds blow from the E or NE, which can be ideal for calmer sessions. Be prepared for crowds—especially in the summer when the river area gets popular, and you might have to navigate around other surfers. The presence of stingrays is another factor to keep in mind, so it's wise to do the shuffle while walking in the water. Overall, Seal Beach Jetty offers a varied surf experience with something for every level of surfer throughout the year.