Local Knowledge
San Clemente Surf Guide
The breaks we surf every day. Conditions, board recommendations, and local knowledge from the crew at Lundquist Surfboards.
Current Conditions
Updated manuallySan Clemente, CA
Best board for today's conditions:
Fantasma →The Breaks
T-Street
All levelsThe most popular break in San Clemente. A reliable beach break that works on most swells. Can get crowded but the vibe is generally friendly. Left and right peaks shift with the sand.
San Onofre (Old Man's)
Beginner to IntermediateMellow, rolling waves that are perfect for longboarding. The go-to spot for beginners and anyone who wants a relaxed session. Inside the state park — parking fee applies.
Trestles — Lowers
Advanced to ProWorld-class cobblestone point break. Fast, hollow, and powerful. Home to WSL CT events. The wave rewards technical surfing and demands speed.
Trestles — Uppers
Intermediate to AdvancedA softer, more forgiving version of Lowers. Both lefts and rights. Great for working on rail surfing without the intensity of the lower cobblestones.
Trestles — Cottons
Intermediate to AdvancedThe most northerly Trestles break. Punchy peaks that work well on bigger swells. Less crowded than Lowers. Good for twins and fish shapes.
Church
IntermediateInside San Onofre State Beach. A fun right-hand point break that peels into the cove. Shorter rides but consistent. Ideal for mid-lengths and longboards.
Riviera
IntermediateA local beach break just south of the pier. Can produce fun, punchy peaks. Works best on solid south swells. Less consistent than T-Street but less crowded.
Seasonal Guide
Summer (May — Oct)
South swells dominate. Consistent 2-6 ft surf at most breaks. Water temps in the mid-60s. Trestles fires on solid S and SSW swells. T-Street is your everyday go-to.
Winter (Nov — Apr)
Northwest and west swells bring bigger, more powerful surf. Water drops to the upper 50s. Trestles gets overhead+. Beach breaks can close out on big days. Step-ups and guns come out of the closet.
Best boards for winter:
Local Etiquette
Right of way
The surfer closest to the peak has priority. Don't drop in.
Don't paddle through the lineup
Go around the break, not through it. Nobody wants a board in their face.
Respect the locals
San Clemente has a strong local surfing community. Be friendly, wait your turn, and earn your waves.
Don't snake
Paddling around someone to get closer to the peak is snaking. It's noticed and remembered.
Help others
If someone loses their board or gets caught inside, lend a hand. That's what a real lineup is about.
Leave the beach cleaner
Pick up trash — yours and anyone else's. It's the baseline.
Need a Board for These Waves?
Every Lundquist board is designed for the waves we surf. Tell us your home break and we'll recommend the right shape.