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Seaside Reef, located at South Cardiff State Beach, is a popular surf spot known for its unique setup. It features a deep-water reef peak that tends to favor left-hand waves, but you can also find some rights when conditions are right. The wave quality can be decent, especially with the right swell, although it's not always consistent. Getting to the beach is easy, thanks to a large paved parking lot off Highway 101.
The waves here work best with a southwest swell, though you can catch waves from the south and northwest as well. It handles swell sizes starting from about 2 feet (0.6 meters) and can produce some fun rides. The take-off zone is thick and hollow, which is always exciting, especially when the wave breaks over the rock ledge. After that initial drop, the wave tends to mellow out in the middle but can reform nicely as you move towards the inside. If you're planning to surf here, aim for low to mid tide for the best experience, and keep in mind that high tide may bring in some backwash, making things a bit tricky.
Surfers should be aware that this spot can get pretty crowded, so be prepared for a competitive lineup, especially on good days. The preferable wind direction is from the east, which can help shape the waves and improve the overall surf quality. If you’re looking to catch some fun waves and don’t mind sharing the lineup, Seaside Reef is worth checking out.