Pipes - San elijo state beach
Edit SpotAbout
Fun Wave, Lots of waves by it so if you dont like it you have about 4 differnt breaks in 5-10 minuet walking range. Such as Pink House + Lifeguards (better shortboarders wave), South Pipes, San Elijo (better longboarders wave) HAVE FUN!
Atmosphere:
This spot will stay good a lot longer than the surrounding beaches. Kelp beds offshore groom the waves and high cliffs keep it wind protected. Multiple personality wave - can be mushy and soft, but transforms into a very rippable wave. Little hard for shortboarders to get waves as it is not that steep.
Additional Info:
You are going to find a lot of longboarders here. Super friendly crowd. HOWEVER, this is a shortboard/longboard wave. On a shortboard, its a fun hotdogger wave, however, on the right swell will become hollow. Can get powerful when it is 6ft+. Mellow vibe and fun wave.
Location
Loading...Access
From 5 Fwy, exit Encinitas Blvd. Turn left (south) on Pacific Coast Highway. Park in the San Elijo State Beach parking lot (fee), or on the side of PCH (watch for cross traffic). Head down the stairs to the beach. Just south of the lifeguard tower.
| Walk | Don't know |
|---|---|
| Public access | Yes |
| 4x4 required | Unknown |
| Boat required | Unknown |
Wave Characteristics
| Type | Reef (rocky) |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right and left |
| Bottom | Sandy with rock |
| Power | Fun |
| Frequency | Very consistent (150+ days/year) |
| Normal length | Normal (50 to 150m) |
| Good day length | Long (150 to 300m) |
Ideal Conditions
| Wind direction | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Swell direction | NorthWest, West, SouthWest, South, SouthEast |
| Swell size | Less than 3ft - 12ft |
| Tide | Low and mid tide |
| Tide movement | Rising and falling tides |
Crowd
| Week | Few surfers |
|---|---|
| Weekend | Crowded |
Dangers
Rocks
Videos
None
Nearby spots
0.27 miles away
| Direction: | Right and left |
| Bottom: | Reef (coral, sharp rocks etc.) |
| Frequency: | Sometimes breaks (50 days/year) |
0.38 miles away
| Direction: | Don't know |
| Bottom: | Flat rocks with sand |
| Frequency: | Don't know |
0.63 miles away
| Direction: | Right and left |
| Bottom: | Flat rocks with sand |
| Frequency: | Very consistent (150+ days/year) |