Page 405 - California Diving and Surfing

COTTONS Located just north of the Trestles beach trail. APrvReeRs.TeDrdaeecknl ste Orange/San Diego AVERAGE CrRisd.tianitos Photo by Gia Danson
During S and SW swells at head high+, Cottons is one of the El Camino Real County Line
best kept secrets on the coast. It used to be popular with NORTH COUNTY Basilone Rd. Franko's Map of
the big name surfers in the 60's. Cottons' left point break
and long left walls are great for longboards, but usually go Christianitos Rd. Marine Corps Base Camp WATER TEMPS 5 SAN DIEGO SURFING
unmolested. Summer sea breezes can blow Cottons out, so it
should be ridden in the morning. The bottom is sand and rock. Trestles State Beach Parking Joseph H. Pendleton January 58
Best season is Summer, with S & SW swells at 5’-8’ on a medium
tide. An east wind makes conditions even better. February 57

OBlidke10Pa1th Paved Trail to Trestles State Beach March 59 Mission

April 60

UPPER TRESTLES Uppers is a rock reef with three take-offs. May 63 Old Highway 101
Most surfers like the long right off the point, but there are still June 66
two other peaks that hold their own even when it's small. Before 5 San Mateo July 67 Rd. Rd.
paddling out, weigh the options - you won't be disappointed. Heavy Canyon August 70
crowds, but they're peaceful. Best in summer S and SW swells at RR Trestles Basilone Rd. Camp Pendleton Beach Resort September 68 Ammunition
3’-6’ size and medium tide. Rock and sand bottom. Intermediate Valid Military ID required for October 65
to expert. camping at this bodyboarding November 63
beach right next to San Onofre December 60
State Beach parking. Las Pulgas Basilone
LOWER TRESTLES Lowers is one of the most high-performance waves RR Trestles Old San Onofre State Park Entry CAMP PENDLETON: Unless you have a valid military I.D. you won't Rd.
in the world. Trestles lives up to the hype. Solid S and SW groundswells Pay $10 here to enter and park be able to access this 15-mile stretch of pristine coastline. Marines
transform the rock strewn point into every surfer's dream wave, with Hwy.along beach. routinely practice exercises and procedures on the beaches and in the
100-yard rights shooting down the line begging for punishment. Even water here. Increased security measures equate to zero possibility
when the swell isn't raging Lowers still offers lengthy rights and punchy for access. Rd. Olive Printed on Durable, Waterproof Synthetic Paper
lefts, suited for multiple tail-sliding hits off the top. If you’re comfortable
surfing in a crowd, and don't mind the long walk to the beach, this is the DEL MAR JETTY (DMJ's): Military access only. DMJ's, as it's more SIDE 1
place. Best in Summer in S & SW swells 2’ to double-overhead high, medium commonly known, is a thumping beachbreak located directly north of Oceanside South S.D. County
tide, with east wind. Intermediate to expert. Harbor's north jetty. A S/SW swell magnet, DMJ's can groom large swells and with La Jolla Details
CHURCH (CHURCHES) Long sloping right point broken into several early morning conditions into some of the most powerful barrels along the coast.
10118'StSaatne San Tight security at Camp Pendleton means less surfers in the water. If you can Camp Pendleton Rd. SIDE 2
12' Onofre get in you're stoked. Advanced. Marine Corps Base Northern S.D. County
THE OBenaocfhre Nuclear with Trestles Details
30' Power Bl.
Plant
60'
POINT Douglas Hill
OLD MAN'S Sleeping Indian Rd.
Stuart Vandegrift Bl.
take-offs. Rare giant NW swells can connect the sections for an amazing, DOG PATCH
long ride. Church is loaded with zealous longboarders, but the atmosphere
is very friendly. SStaanteOPnaorfkre Lilac
MIDDLES Uncrowded longboarder rights, plus SIRENS Vandegrift Ave.
Trains roar over the trestles at some left waves. This break likes W swells best. Old River
70 mph - this is why surfers should NUKES Mesa
CAMP PENDLETON BEACH RESORT Bodyboarding or swimming only. Rd.
STAY OFF THE TRESTLES! Tons of military personnel and their families camp and play here. OCEANSIDE consists of four main sections:
OCEANSIDE HARBOR: Consistent beachbreak waves in between two jetties. River Rd. Rd.
SAN ONOFRE Lots of Orange County surfers go here, but it is actually in San Diego Easy access and above average wave quality makes it a popular choice among surfers Mission
when going to and from the beach County. Great camping and hang out spot for wave-hungry travelers. San Onofre offers from the south. Good all year round. Best Season: All Year/Direction: All Directions/ Rd. Dr. Gopher
TRAILS Size 2'-8'/Tide: Medium/Wind: E/Bottom: Sand/Rating: Intermediate/Daily Surf Canyon Rd.
THE POINT, OLD MAN'S, DOG PATCH, NUKES, SIRENS and TRAILS. The Point is Report/Webcam Osborne
a good right break, popular with the older guys. Old Man's is a longboarder spot, which OCEANSIDE PIER: Hollow, beachbreak waves heavily dependent on wind and tide. St. Old Castle Rd.
breaks way out and then reforms to break again inside. Dog Patch is just S of Old Man's Breaks best on a solid southwest swell. Santa Fe
and is mushy beginner surf. This entire north end of San Onofre State Beach is the OCEANSIDE BOULEVARD: Hollow beachbreak with semi-consistent sandbar formations. Champagne PLkiwncyo.ln Ave.
perfect surfers paradise to bring a cooler and your family, along with your longboard, Attracts swell from a variety of directions and produces some of the best waves in Vista Wy. ESCONDIDO
of course, and just relax. However, it is always crowded, so don’t expect to surf alone. Northern San Diego County. Intermediate plus. Ave. 76 Dr. Ave. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
OCEANSIDE STREET BEACHES: Variety of beachbreaks in shifting sandbars. Lots of Melrose Dr. Pkwy.
Nukes is a break over the ocean water coolant pipes to the nuclear power plant. Sirens surfers and bodyboarders find excellent waves marching in from the S, SW and the W. Meadow
is just S of Nukes and offers fun peaks and clean sections. Trails is a less accessible Bobier Dr. Rd.
break, but fun peaks and clean sections at low tide make it worth going for. Camp Pendleton MHiswsiyon. 76 El Camino Mesa
Boat Basin Oceanside Bl. College Bl. 15
SCALE Oceanside
0 STATUTE MILES 1 Trestles and San Onofre Detail Harbor Bl.
Photo by Franko Mtn.
Oceanside
CARLSBAD STREET BEACHES: Uncrowded is the word, but keep it a secret. This is Pier OCEANSIDE VISTA 78 Santa Deer Springs
where to go when your favorite spot its too crowded, but it blows out in the p.m. Real Buena Creek Rd.
COoCcaietsayntBsieHdaewchy. CarlsbaCdaSrltsabtaedBeaBclh. Sunset Dr. Fe Ave.
CARLSBAD OFFSHORE BEACH: Climb down the bluff at the parking lot south of Elm Rd.
Ave. for a shifting sandbar multibreak that is seldom crowded. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
FRAZEE BEACH: A handy walking path leads to this boadyboarding family fun center. BuLeanCgaaorVolsinsbtaCadARVLiSllaBgAeD Dr. Lake Bl. Melrose Dr.
TAMARACK AVE: The first real break in San Diego County that prefers a south swell,
Tamarack Ave is a rapidly changing mix of sandbars and peaks. If the swell is under six El Ave. Rd. El Norte Broadway
feet Tamarack can be a good option, especially with a medium tide and zero wind. Int. Agua Hedionda Borden Rd. Centre City
Camino Real Sycamore
WARM WATER JETTY: Located in Carlsbad State Beach in front of the huge Encina Lagoon Mission
power plant, it has scattered beachbreaks with shifting sandbars. Intermediate. San Marcos Bl.Rd.
PONTO: An occasional good beachbreak breaking next to a set of jetties. It is located where SAN MARCOS Barham Dr.
Batiquitos Lagoon meets the ocean. Intermediate. Airport Rd.
GRANDVIEW (LEUCADIA STATE BEACH): Constantly changing mixtures of rock and sand
are the ingredients to surfing in Leucadia. The most recognized spot is BEACONS offering Palomar Fe EscondPikdwoyB. l.
two main peaks and a rare, "aloha" atmosphere. Leucadia is far north enough to be exposed to
all swell directions but like most other spots in San Diego County a northwest hits here better. Aviara Santa Rd.
Offshore kelp beds help keep it glassy long after other spots are blown out. Best Season: SSouttahteCBarelascbhad Valley
Winter/Direction: W, NW/Size 2'-8'/Tide: Low - Med./Wind: E/Bottom: Reef, Sand/Intermediate.

ENCINITAS BEACH: Located at the County Park. This is a shifty beachbreak, with rights and Pkwy. Alga Rd. San
lefts, but it has a reef style. Intermediate.

MOONLIGHT STATE BEACH: Moonlight features more hanging out and partying than surf. 5 Bateguitas Lagoon Rancho Elijo Rd. Questhaven Grove Dios
It is a typical sandy beach break. Intermediate. La Costa Ave. Elfin Harmony Hwy.

D STREET: A wave magnet. Rippable beachbreak with occasional sections to bash. Intermediate. Leucadia Beach Moonlight Beach Via

SWAMI'S: Swami's is a spectacular right reef point with unlimited possibilities. Unfortunately, GRANDVIEW El Camino Real Forest Rd. Rd. Rancho Pkwy.
because of its high quality it is arguably the most crowded break in San Diego County as well. BEACONS
It's a somewhat localized spot so don't expect to paddle out and grab the set of the day. Be LEUCADIA Bl. Del Lake
patient and look for the insiders, which line up and race along the edge of a beautiful rock Leucadia Hodges
reef, and you'll still leave with a smile on your face. Capable of handling any size, Swami's is
Ordinary Day at Trestles the place to go when it gets huge and unruly everywhere else. Best Season: Winter/Swell Encinitas Bl. El Camino Del Norte Hwy. Rancho Bernardo Rd.
Direction: West, Northwest/Size 2'-12'/Tide: Low - Medium/Wind: None, East/Bottom: ENCINITAS El Escondido Del Bernardo Dr.Camino
Photos, Including Title Blocks Reef/Rating: Advanced/Daily Surf Report/Webcam. Del Norte
by Gia Danson, author of Santa Fe Dr. Rd.
SUN, SAND, and SURF CARDIFF CAMPGROUND: The campground area features at least a half-dozen great AMvaen.chester Dios
The Ultimate Guide to little reef breaks. Not as spectacular as Swami's, but to beat the crowds a bit and still CARDIFF- MountainTed WiPllkiawmy.s
San Diego County Beaches get your surfing fix, try (from North to South), DABBER, BROWN HOUSE, PIPES, BY-THE-SEA Del Poway Rd.
TRAPS, TURTLES, BARNY'S, 85's, and TIPPERS. Spend the night. Rating: Int. to Adv. San ElCijooaSs.tB. CarHdwifyf.S.B. Paseo Delicias
SAN DIEGO SEASON OVERVIEW:
SAN ELIJO STATE BEACH: Scattered reefs and unpredictable line-ups occupy this stretch
Winter: Winter in San Diego means water temperatures in the mid-high 50's and consistent northwest of coast. It is possible to score an isolated peak if you're lucky. At the north end of the
groundswell. Most of the breaks throughout the county come to life during the Winter and not surprisingly beach is a popular spot named "Pipes" PIPES is a consistent left breaking over a somewhat RANCHO
some of these breaks can become rather crowded. However, with such an abundance of decent days and ever- shallow slab of rock reef. Surfers of all genres can be seen hassling for lefts, especially Lagoon SANTA FE
changing conditions there are always a few playful waves to be found.
on the weekends. Intermediate. San Elijo LineaCielo
Spring: The northwest groundswell factory slowly grinds to a halt during the Spring. The steady, long period SUCKOUTS: Fifty yards north of Cardiff is another peak called Suckouts. The name says
swells of winter are replaced by moody, localized wind-driven swells. The stubborn South Pacific might send a it all as "Suckouts" is a dredging barrel which prefers a lower tide. Whether you decide
few southwest swells to tempt the masses; but, the predominantly northwest facing beaches make their 0246 8 to go left or right you're bound to catch a few good ones. Advanced. Lomas Santa Fe Dr.
arrival a hit or miss proposition. Water temperatures change almost daily between tolerable and intolerable
as occasional fierce onshore winds produce upwelling. Overall, anything is possible. Miles CARDIFF: A long, right point breaking over a flat rock ledge. On an average day the wave SOLANA BEACH Valle Rd.

Summer: The best option for any surfer during the Summer is to surf as early as possible. Summertime in 0246 8 is slow and mushy but it's still fun to squeeze in a few turns. When the swell is pushing Via De La
San Diego is notorious for crowds, on the beach and in the water. South swells usually miss this stretch of five feet or more Cardiff can rifle down the line and offer an exhilarating ride. Cardiff Del Mar San
the coast, but a big enough southwest will light up a fair share of spots, especially around the La Jolla area. Kilometers is easily accessible with parking right on the beach, predictably, it is one of the most Fairgrounds Dieguito Pomerado Rd.
In general, the water can get warm enough to trunk it but the afternoon wind usually calls for a springsuit. crowded breaks around. Best Season: Fall, Winter / Swell Direction: W, NW/Size 2'-8'/ Camino Real Rd. Carmel
SCALE Tide: Low/Wind: None, E/Bottom: Reef/Rating: Advanced/Daily Surf Report DEL MAR Valley Rd.
Fall: If you could choose the ideal time to surf in San Diego you would have to pick the Fall. Early season
northwest groundswells originating in the North Pacific begin their monotonous assault on this region. Mixed EVAN'S: Decent, little-known left beachbreak. Rating: Intermediate Carmel
with a few late season southwest swells and the possibility of slack winds or offshore conditions, you have the
recipe for epic conditions. The water has started to chill down but the quality and abundance of good surf GEORGE'S: Decent beachbreak located directly north of Seaside Reef. Rating: Int. Del Mar Heights 56
overshadows the cold.
For more fabulous Franko’s Surfing Maps, visit: SEASIDE REEF: A very popular destination for many local surfers. The wave itself is El Ted Williams Fwy.
www.frankosmaps.com predominantly a left which, given enough size and a low tide, can spit out gaping barrels
over its shallow, rock reef. The right is a viable option but it really doesn't have the
same juice as the left. On smaller days check the inside reform which can be a fun option. SAN DIEGO Black Mtn. Rd. Scripps Poway Pkwy.
Best Season: Fall, Spring/Swell Direction: West, Northwest/ Size 2'-6'/Tide: Low/Wind: Camino Ruiz Spring Cyn.
East/Bottom: Reef and Sand/Rating: Intermediate
15 Rd.
PALLIES: At the south end of Solana Beach Park, Pallies is a fun left, but the constant Genesee Valley Bl.
southerly current makes you work for it. TorreySorrenPtinoeVsalley Rd. Mira Mesa Pomerado Rd.

TABLETOPS: Located just south of Seaside Reef, Tabletops offers a reef break set-up Torrey Pines State BeachTorrey Sorrento Bl.
with reform possibilities. With the right tide and swell the reef juts from the bottom Pines
to form a quick barrel and performance-oriented shoulder. It breaks pretty far out so Golf
be prepared to do some serious paddling. Advanced. Course

SOLANA BEACH/PILLBOX: Ordinary beachbreak with an extraordinary beach. La Jolla Canyon

DEL MAR RIVERMOUTH: Shifty beachbreak on a constantly-evolving mix of sand, tide 60300’ 0’ 60’ Rd. Miramar Rd.
and current. Intermediate. 30’ 5 Miramar Wy.
La Jolla Village Dr.
DEL MAR: 15th Street in Del Mar has an isolated reef that attracts a lot of surfers, La JollDar.Shores
especially on the weekends. The left races along the edge of the reef allowing for multiple Kearny Villa Rd.United States
turns down the line while the right tends to back off and mush out. If you're not Nobel Dr. 805 Marine Corps
interested in hassling with the crowd both north and south of 15th offers nice beachbreak Ave. Air Station
waves with sparse crowds. Even though these areas have a knack for closing out, if you Point La Jolla Governor Dr.
search hard enough you’re bound to discover something rideable. Best Season: All year/Swell 120’ 52 Miramar
Direction: W, NW, SW/Size: 3'-6'/Tide: Any Tide/Wind: None, E/Bottom: Rock and/or
Sand/Rating: Intermediate. LA JOLLA

TORREY PINES: Average beachbreak, tide sensitive. Long beach has many
possibilities, small crowds and fabulous scenery. Intermediate.