Page 408 - California Diving and Surfing
P. 408
SAN ELIJO STATE BEACH: Scat- beachbreak. Rating: Intermediate ties. With the right tide and swell the
tered reefs and unpredictable line- GEORGE’S: Decent beachbreak lo- reef juts from the bottom to form a
ups occupy this stretch of coast. It cated directly north of Seaside Reef. quick barrel and performance-orient-
is possible to score an isolated peak Rating: Intermediate ed shoulder. It breaks pretty far out
if you’re lucky. At the north end of SEASIDE REEF: A very popular so be prepared to do some serious
the beach is a popular spot named destination for many local surfers. paddling. Advanced.
“Pipes” PIPES is a consistent left The wave itself is predominantly a SOLANA BEACH. PILLBOX: Ordi-
breaking over a somewhat shallow left which, given enough size and a nary beachbreak with an extraordi-
slab of rock reef. Surfers of all genres low tide can spit out gaping barrels nary beach.
can be seen hassling for lefts, espe- over its shallow, rock reef. The right DEL MAR RIVERMOUTH: Shifty
cially on the weekends. Intermediate. is a viable option but it really doesn’t beachbreak on a constantly evolving
CARDIFF: A long, right point break- have the same juice as the left. On mix of sand, tide & current. Interme-
ing over a flat rock ledge. On an aver- smaller days check the inside reform diate.
age day the wave is slow and mushy which can be a fun option. Best DEL MAR: 15th Street in Del Mar
but it’s still fun to squeeze in a few Season: Fall, Spring. Swell Direction: has an isolated reef that attracts a lot
turns. When the swell is pushing five West, Northwest. Size 2’-6’. Tide: of surfers, especially on the week-
feet or more Cardiff can rifle down Low. Wind: East. Bottom: Reef & ends. The left races along the edge of
the line and offer an exhilarating ride. Sand. Rating: Intermediate the reef allowing for multiple turns
Cardiff is easily accessible with park- PALLIES: At the south end of Solana down the line while the right tends to
ing right on the beach, predictably, Beach Park, Pallies is a fun left, but back off and mush out. If you’re not
it is one of the most crowded breaks the constant southerly current makes interested in hassling with the crowd
around. Best Season: Fall, Winter . you work for it. both north and south of 15th offers
Swell Direction: W, NW. Size 2’-8’. TABLETOPS: Located just south of nice beachbreak waves with sparse
Tide: Low. Wind: None, E. Bottom: Seaside Reef, Tabletops offers a reef crowds. Even though these areas have
Reef. Rating: Advanced. break set-up with reform possibili- a knack for closing out.
EVAN’S: Decent, little-known left
