Surf Forecast  Seaside Point

Seaside Point surfspot characteristics

More about Seaside Point surfspot

When it’s firing on a W or SW swell, this is the most well-known wave in the Pacific Northwest (it may actually be the finest lefthand pointbreak in North America). Swells wrap around the north end of Tillamook Head and peel off in perfect, hollow, lefthanded zippers that leave little margin for error. Second Point is the shorter, juicier indicator wave. Further inside and the main spot, First Point is long, lovely, and frequently glassy on the gnarliest of winter days since the head shelters the break from the predominantly southern winter storm winds. A classic barrel – think Indo or consistent El Capitan (reversed). Works on most any tide, although high tide can generate some backwash from the rocky shoreline. On a perfect SW swell, the take-off area can be as narrow as a Toyota truck bed. As the swell direction moves N, the peak section becomes broader. Although this may spread out the crowd, getting caught by a section here can and will pin you to the shoreline boulders unless you know the place intimately.

This is a challenging wave with a challenging crowd, and they won’t want to see your face in the line-up. The Point’s reputation as the heaviest local scene on the West Coast is well deserved. Enter the water after a 650 yard (600m) hike over big, slick boulders at the Point. Beware a fierce shorepound on all but the most southerly swells. Roadside parking at the end of Edgewood. The City has just constructed a cement bunker-style restroom and shower facility across the street from the parking lot, however, it’s shut off in winter, when the surf’s good. Expect flat tires and other damage to out-of-state vehicles. Oh yeah, the break is way out in the ocean, so there are sharks, too.