Page 412 - California Diving and Surfing
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Winter: Winter is a gamble in Orange Summer: Orange County in the SIDE 1 SURF DESCRIPTIONS
County because it primarily faces Summer is summed up in one word, RAY BAY: Northernmost end of Seal
southwest. Steep, northwest swells consistent. No matter how small it Beach, “Ray Bay” is a warmed by
struggle to wrap around the corner might be there always seems to be effluent power plant waters. It is gen-
of Point Conception and hit Orange something rideable, even fun, some- erally a small, mushy beginner spot,
County directly, the net result is where along this stretch of coast. but on a gargantuan S or SW swell it
inconsistent and unpredictable con- When a large south swell rolls in, Or- turns on, producing 100 yard rights
ditions overall. There are still a few ange County’s breaks stir to life and with multiple sections in dirty water.
good waves to be had at spots open offer a variety of possibilities. Hardly Beginner to Intermediate.
to the northwest; but unless the swell a secret, Trestles on the San Diego SEAL BEACH PIER: Fickle beach-
is humongous, your best bet during County border is the wave of choice break, good for tourists and body-
the Winter is to travel north or south to surfers from all walks of life. boarders much of the summer, but
to spots more receptive to northwest Fall: Fall is the best time to surf in really only gets good during the
swells. Orange County, period. Late sea- winter. When everywhere else is
Spring: During the Spring the South son south swells combine with early rejoicing in overhead surf Seal Beach
Pacific wave factory rumbles back to season west and northwest swells to is usually knee-high & weak. How-
life. The season’s first few south swells form beautiful peaks up and down ever, with a direct winter W swell
combine with built-up sandbars and the entire coast. The afternoon on- and offshore winds it is possible to
warmer air temperatures to make shore winds of summer have disap- tap into pristine barrels giving way to
life bearable again. The water is still peared giving way to afternoon glass- long, rippable walls. The S side of the
frigid but the possibility to grab a few offs cherished by everyone. During pier is the better bodyboarding spot,
A-frames is highly likely. Now that the months of October, November, while the N side is your best surfing
more spots are breaking the win- and December Santa Ana winds bet.
ter crowds have the opportunity to blow in from the east giving surfers a
spread out. chance to duck into some rare, wind-
groomed barrels.
