OB pier

Edit Spot
About

I started surfing here, so to me it will always stick out as my favorate......It can be a bit sloppy....But...I surfed it every day of the week...

Atmosphere:
O.B. is the greatest surf town in California in my eyes....I had to move away from OB because the cost are rising like everywhere else...But I will be back to live one day....There are other spots in O.B as well..Avalanch, Dog Beach and if you drive further south on Sunset Cliffs Blvd....You can hit Sunset Cliffs during the winter (some of the best reef surfing in San Diego)

Additional Info:
OB Pier has of course two sides, South Side is a nice left which normally you have to shoot the pier, it is normally best at a mid to higher tide. The north side of the pier is a pretty nice right with a few lefts (depends on the swell) There is a section which is about 50 yards north of the pier (pretty close to the no surfing or swimming zone) it will break right and can be powerful and sometimes hollow. The best swell is West with a little Northwest, and it will hold up to 6-8 feet with the right wind condition. On small days a long board is in effect, however when it gets a little over 3-4 feet a short board is a must. The locals are the best in Calfornia...It is the greatest and only orginal beach town left in California (if not in the country) Just don't drop in on a local and you will be allowed to take your turn....Check the local water quality from time to time...The San Diego river flows about 200 yards up the beach...Oh and if you are not a good swimmer (don't know why you would be surfing) but be careful, there can be nasty Rips and currents in front of the life guard tower and at the pier....Paddle out along the pier on all swells and you should be ok....Its a little deeper there...On, Bigger days..I would recommend only more experienced surfers...It can get pretty heavy there.

Location
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Access

I would love to tell you all exactly....But, OB is a special little piece of California and if you really want to surf this spot...you should ask a local surfshot or coffee shop (not a chain store) and they will be more than happy to tell you....Just ask for O.B. or Ocean Beach and you can't miss the pier (its the largest in California)....

WalkInstant access (<5 min)
Public accessYes
4x4 requiredUnknown
Boat requiredUnknown
Wave Characteristics
TypeBreakwater/jetty
DirectionRight and left
BottomSandy with rock
PowerOrdinary
FrequencyVery consistent (150+ days/year)
Normal lengthShort (<50m)
Good day lengthNormal (50 to 150m)
Ideal Conditions
Wind directionEast
Swell directionNorthWest, West
Swell size3ft-5ft - 6ft+
TideMid tide
Tide movementRising and falling tides
Crowd
WeekFew surfers
WeekendCrowded
Dangers

Rips / undertow, Rocks, Man-made danger (buoys etc..), Localism, Pollution

Videos

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