Pro Surf: San Clemente

Hey! I’m Brooke—born and raised here in San Clemente. I’ve been surfing these breaks since I was a kid, so welcome! You’re in one of the best surf towns in California, hands down. Whether you’re totally new or just visiting, there’s something here for everyone. So here’s what to expect:

• San Clemente’s surf community is pretty laid-back, especially compared to places like Malibu or Huntington. People are chill, but there’s still surf etiquette—don’t drop in on others, be respectful, and you’ll fit right in.

• Mornings are usually best—less wind, cleaner waves. Summer brings south swells, so the waves can get really good. Winter has fewer crowds and some surprise swells from the west.

• Water's colder than it looks—spring suits or 3/2 wetsuits are standard most of the year. Maybe a 4/3 in the winter if you're sensitive to the cold.

• Keep an eye on tides and rips. We don’t get crazy currents like some other spots, but know how to read the ocean before paddling out. And yeah, we do see dolphins, sea lions, and the occasional shark—but that’s rare.

• Parking near T-Street fills up fast—come early. Most beaches have showers and bathrooms. Bring sunscreen, even on overcast days. And always pack out your trash.

• Talk to other surfers, smile, and be patient—it’s all about timing and flow out there. Oh, and grab a post-surf burrito at Pedro’s or Surfin’ Donuts. Total local staples.

Stoked to see you out there!

You can find the surf forecast for the day below. Wave size can determine how likely you are to catch a wave in specific conditions, but time of day can impact how many other surfers (or even dangerous marine life) may be out in the surf break with you.)

2-6am	6-10am	10am-2pm	2-6pm	6-10pm	10pm-2am
0-2ft	0-3ft	3-4ft	2-3ft	3-6.5ft	2.5-6.5ft

Pick the time of day you want to surf, the board size you'll take with you, and more to determine if you have what it takes to go pro in San Clemente.

2-6am

Paddle Board

Perfect wave conditions for paddle boarding, and with no one else in the water this early, you've got the whole ocean to yourself- but you're not alone. Suddenly a dark shadow appears in the water below you. It's what you feared most- a great white. Better paddle back to shore while you've still got a chance.

Longboard

After sitting in the water for two hours, the waves finally start picking up to be tall enough to ride, and- with no one else in the water- you've got the whole ocean to yourself. But there's a reason even the locals aren't in the water. Before you can process what's happening, a great white shark emerges from below. With no one else in the water and no lifeguards on duty, there's no one to help. Unfortunately, you've been killed by a great white shark.

Shortboard

After sitting in the water for two hours, the waves finally start picking up to be tall enough to ride, but not for the board size you have. But there's a reason even the locals aren't in the water. Before you can process what's happening, a great white shark emerges from below. With no one else in the water and no lifeguards on duty, there's no one to help. Unfortunately, you've been killed by a great white shark.

Body Board

After sitting in the water for two hours, the waves finally start picking up to be tall enough to ride, and- with no one else in the water- you've got the whole ocean to yourself. But there's a reason even the locals aren't in the water. Before you can process what's happening, a great white shark emerges from below. With no one else in the water and no lifeguards on duty, there's no one to help. Unfortunately, you've been killed by a great white shark.

6-10am

Paddle Board

You get in the water, but the waves are just a bit too choppy for the paddle board. While you try your best to stay on the board, early morning locals can't hold back their frustration when you keep falling off your board in front of them. Maybe it's time to get out of the water and try a different board size.

Longboard

You've found the perfect conditions for the longboard- and just as the early morning locals start hitting the water. You even impress a couple of local surfers with your rides before the big crowds arrive and make surfing difficult with your size of board.

Shortboard

As you paddle out, you find the waves just aren't up for the task of giving you waves to ride on your shortboard. Maybe it's time to head back to shore and grab a different board.

Body Board

You've found the perfect conditions for the bodyboard- and just as the early morning locals start hitting the water. You even impress a couple of local surfers with your rides before the big crowds arrive, but that's no problem. That super-short board allows you to stay out of most surfer's waves.

10am-2pm

Paddle Board

You get in the water, but the waves are just a bit too choppy for the paddle board. While you try your best to stay on the board, locals and tourists alike can't hold back their frustration when you keep falling off your board in front of them. Maybe it's time to get out of the water and try a different board size.

Longboard

You've found great conditions for the longboard- and but just as the tourists start hitting the water. With both locals and tourists in the water, it's hard to catch any waves. In four hours, you're lucky to catch four waves, but you ride them well and impress even the locals- when you're not angering them by snaking their waves.

Shortboard

You've found the perfect conditions for the shortboard- but just as tourists start hitting the water. You do your best to stay out of peoples' way, but you just can't help yourself from snaking a few waves- angering locals and tourists alike.

Body Board

Seems the waves are too high for the bodyboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

2-6pm

Paddle Board

Seems the waves are too high for the paddle board. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Longboard

You've found great conditions for the longboard- and but as tourists paddle out for afternoon surf lessons. With both locals and tourists in the water, it's hard to catch any waves. In four hours, you're lucky to catch one wave, but you ride it well and impress even the locals- when you're not angering them by snaking their waves.

Shortboard

You've found the perfect conditions for the shortboard- but as tourists and locals alike are sharing the water. You do your best to stay out of peoples' way, but you just can't help yourself from snaking a few waves- angering locals and tourists alike.

Body Board

Seems the waves are too high for the bodyboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

6-10pm

Paddle Board

Seems the waves are too high for the paddle board. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Longboard

You've found great conditions for the longboard- and just as the tourists are leaving the water. You even impress a couple of local surfers with your rides as the big crowds leave, but locals let you know two hours in as the lifeguards leave their posts- it's time to get out of the water before the great white sharks start coming close to shore.

Shortboard

You've found the perfect conditions for the shortboard- and just as tourists are leaving the water. You even impress a couple of local surfers with your rides as the big crowds leave, but locals let you know two hours in as the lifeguards leave their posts- it's time to get out of the water before the great white sharks start coming close to shore.

Body Board

Seems the waves are too high for the bodyboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

10pm-2am

Paddle Board

Seems the waves are too high for the paddle board. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Longboard

Seems the waves are too high for the longboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Shortboard

You've found the perfect conditions for the shortboard- and you've got the whole ocean to yourself.  But there's a reason even the locals aren't in the water. Before you can process what's happening, a great white shark emerges from below. With no one else in the water and no lifeguards on duty, there's no one to help. Unfortunately, you've been killed by a great white shark.

Body Board

Seems the waves are too high for the bodyboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

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