Surfing

Surfing in Del Mar

The beach in Del Mar is unique in what it offers the active surfer looking for fun and diverse waves, in addition to beach activities to complement the lifestyle. Lying just to the north of La Jolla, Del Mar is central and  accessible to all surfers in San Diego County. Please call (858) 259-8208 for updated surf report information. 

Year-Round Surfing

For the resourceful surfer looking for waves 12 months a year, Del Mar is a great destination. With a broad swell window open to most swell directions twelve months a year, there is a great chance of finding a good ride within the city limits. Facing almost due west and with little land diverting waves from this stretch of coast, Del Mar, generally, sees good swell energy from the southwest, west, and northwest.

With surfing becoming more mainstream, crowds have grown significantly. The diversity of waves in Del Mar offers the ability to find fun and rideable waves almost any time of year without the constraints of thick crowds.  

Depending on the season, water temperatures range from 57 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.  A 3/2 full suit is recommended for the winter months and trunks for the summer months.

South Beach

The southern end of the Del Mar offers a section of over one-half mile of rock-bottom reef. Depending on the swell size, direction, and tides, the reefs between 4th and 15th Streets will turn on at different times. Generally speaking, if there is a swell over a few feet, fun waves can be found at one or more of the reef outcroppings. The most frequented spots with the most consistent surf are 11th St and 15th St. Both locations thrive on swells in the 220-280 degree range with tides below 4 feet.

Main Beach

The middle section of the Del Mar beach consists of a one mile-long stretch of beach breaks. While the sandbars are at the mercy of currents, tides, and swell, fun and uncrowded peaks can often be found – and most often in a different location from one day to the next. While these shifty peaks are enjoyable on most swells and mid-level tides throughout the year, overhead waves tend to be mostly closed-out on this stretch of beach as well as during extreme low tides.

North Beach

The northern stretch of beach offers another unique wave area with the San Dieguito River meeting the Pacific Ocean, offering up some very consistent sandbars when the river is flowing. Additionally, reef outcroppings provide an area of more consistently forming waves to the north of the river extending to the Del Mar border with Solana Beach. This stretch of beach is most consistent during our northwesterly swell events and offer some of the better large wave riding opportunities in Del Mar.

Remember to inquire with local Lifeguards for detailed information on safety, rules, and conditions. Be sure to learn about surfing etiquette before you paddle out and enjoy the waves!