Local's Summer: fall brings ideal surf conditions to San Diego
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Monday, Sept. 22, marks the first day of fall, but in San Diego this time period is commonly known as Local’s Summer – the stretch when locals finally get the chance to enjoy the sun and waves without the summer crowds.
- The FOX 5/KUSI video above explains the difference in a high surf advisory vs. warning
Local’s Summer is one of the most reliable times of the year to catch fun waves in San Diego. A mix of southwest swells and the season’s first northwest pulses combine with light winds and lingering warm water to create some of the most desirable surf conditions of the year.
Here are some breaks to keep an eye on this fall, as they often thrive on the combo:
Advanced:
- Black’s Beach
- Windansea
- Oceanside Pier
- Ocean Beach Pier
- Sunset Cliffs
Intermediate-friendly:
Not quite ready for San Diego’s heaviest waves? No problem – every surfer at Black’s or Windansea once started small. Fall is also a great season for beginners and intermediates to find clean, manageable surf.
- Tourmaline
- PB Point
- Scripps Pier
- La Jolla Shores
- Cardiff
7-day forecast:
According to Surfline, the first week of fall is expected to deliver. On Sunday, waves are anticipated to reach six feet at standout breaks like Windansea, with smaller but still fun surf at intermediate-friendly breaks. Good to fair conditions are expected all day, for several days in a row.
Wherever you paddle out this fall, be sure to know your limits and remember that every day brings different conditions -- breaks often thought of as advanced can be enjoyable for beginners at times and vice versa.
