Everyone knows that San Clemente is a destination for surfing, especially shortboarders. The World Surf League holds its tour finals at Upper Trestles, one of the best breaks in the world. But the area also has excellent breaks for longboarders, some that stand up and peel nicely for noseriding, and some that are more mushy and forgiving for beginners.
To be completely candid, it’s hard to rank these spots best to worst, because what is ideal for one longboard surfer will be different for another. Depending on the swell size and direction, waves at each of the breaks will vary in peakiness, speed, and how they taper. Likewise, some are more popular (err, crowded), so if your priority is quiet tranquility, that’s another distinction that’s challenging to calculate. All to say: these breaks might not necessarily be in order, starting with the best. But they all are worthy of consideration. We’ve tried to explain why they made the list as best as possible.
So, without further adieu, here are our “favorite” breaks for longboarders in San Clemente. Make sure to read the full Surf Guide for each break (links below). They provide additional details such as access and optimal conditions. We hope this helps your surf trip to San Clemente!
#1: Old Man’s at San Onofre
It's hard to beat Old Man's for longboarding. Swell consistently rolls in over the expansive cobblestone break, creating gentle peeling peak upon gentle peeling peak. The A-frame waves tend to be pretty soft and vary in size, so loggers of all levels can find one that suits their preference. Partial to rights? Hang a bit south. The northern-most part pumps out fun lefts (known to some as "CJ's Left," for CJ Nelson). Old Man's is also a safe zone for beginner and intermediate surfers, especially on the inside where the white water of larger waves reforms into green face waves again.
Watch the video below for inspiration, and make sure to read our San Onofre Surf Guide for tips on how to get there and when to go.
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#2: The Point at San Onofre
The Point at San Onofre, compared to its brother peak at Old Man’s, churns out a faster, steeper wave making for nice, long right-hand noserides. The take-off zone is a bit better-defined than at Old Man’s, also making it more competitive. Paddle to the north end to catch zippy lefts that are peaky enough for shorter-boards. Even on the inside, you’ll need to be quick on your feet. But as your skills improve as logger, this is a surf break you should know and try.
As you can see in this video, the wave has enough push for shorter boards as well, especially the lefts on the north end of the break.
#3: The Boneyard at Doheny
Doheny, aka “Doho,” is a popular beach break for families but expert surfers make Boneyard a destination because it churns out consistent right-hand peelers (and some lefts). With enough swell, you may even enjoy the whole length of Doheny, from Boneyard at the northern end, to the Rivermouth at the southern end. Just beware of the tide. This spot earned its name for the rocks that get quickly exposed in this shallow break.
As you can see in this video, small can still be mighty enough for noseriding at Boneyard. (Also, you’ll have a lot of friends taking off from a small area.) For information about how to get there and the other breaks, check out our Doheny Surf Guide.
#4: The Hammer at Doheny
Near the southern part of Doheny, the Hammer catches swell a little more consistently than the Boneyard, which is tucked next to the jetty. The Hammer creates an A-frame wave over a sandy bottom, so the shape of the waves is more variable with a bigger take-off zone than at the Boneyard. It also tends to be a bit softer.
Our Doheny Surf Guide does not recommend surfing this spot at night; however, we do suggest watching this video of Tommy Witt and Rachael Tilly surfing under a full moon. Enjoy. They make it look easy.
#5: Middles
Trestles is best known for Lowers, where the WSL hosts the tour finals for professional shortboarders. However, it also claims high-quality breaks for longboarders, especially when the swell is head-high or less, and Middles is one of them. There are multiple takeoff zones, creating plenty of wave opportunities. Of course, being Trestles, Middles is a fairly competitive spot. The shape is fairly steep, setting you up to hang five or ten. Also being Trestles, it’s a long hike to get to the surf spot.
Be sure you’re prepared with transportation, sunscreen, and water. Read our Trestles Surf Guide for specific directions and where to find a toilet (of the portable variety).
#6: Church
Church is a cobblestone reef break at the mouth of the San Onofre Creek in the Trestles area. Peaky enough for shortboards most of the time, skilled loggers can also catch beautiful rights at this surf break, and even some lefts. Church has a main peak with a few other take-off zones closer to the beach. Look for a south/southwest or west swell.
This video will give you a good idea of what to expect. For directions and other details, see the Trestles Surf Guide.
#7: Dogpatch at San Onofre
Don’t scoff. At the far end of the San Onofre Surf Beach, Dogpatch is not the most popular destination in the area, but that’s why it’s on this list. Located south of Old Man’s, you can catch worthwhile rights and with a south/southwest swell, some solid lefts, too — without the crowds and competition of the other San O breaks. The wind may also cooperate better at times in this little zone. Read the San Onofre Surf Guide for more.
How to find the best peak for longboarding in San Clemente
Some of the best longboarders in the world live and surf in San Clemente. No doubt you can find a zone that works for you. As always, think about your personal priorities — what do you want to get from your surf session? — and make your choices from there. Do you want a cruisy wave? Or do you want a high-performance wave? Hopefully, this list helps you. Lastly, you might want to check out our Vital Surf Tips, which will help you have more fun and make friends when you surf here in San Clemente and beyond. Surf on!
