Right in Orange County, Southern California, Huntington Pier, Southside is a world-renowned, fun wave that breaks over sand on both sides of a pier. Some waves here can be challenging and break for up to 50 meters, providing sections for turns and airs. There has been a lot of history here, the US Open of Surfing is held here every year: a spectacle all should attend at least once. The Southside of the pier favours the rights and works best in the summer, however, locals will tell you that the big Northwest swells in winter wrap around and make for some fun peaky rights. This is the spot that made “shooting the pier” famous, although we do not recommend trying it without a helmet and bubble wrap on.
What are the best surf conditions for Huntington Pier, Southside?
Gets good between waist-high and triple overhead. We recommend a longboard when smaller and a shortboard then step up as the size picks up. The waves here are best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. The surf here is pretty consistent (6/10) and will be pretty jammed, especially in summer (8/10). The best winds come from the Northeast, and the best swells from the Northwest, South, Southwest, and West. It works on all tides but prefers mid.
We recommend wearing a 3/2 in the summer when water temps rise to a pleasant 20 degrees. In the winter a 4/3 might be preferred when water temps drop to 15 degrees. See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
