Ocean Beach SF
Ocean Beach SF is California's cold-water crucible—a powerful beach break directly exposed to the full fetch of the North Pacific, where San Francisco's most committed surfers battle freezing water, closeout sets, and the knowledge that great white sharks patrol these waters. The wave is not for the faint-hearted: massive paddle-outs, heavy lips, and conditions that can go from fun to survival in minutes. But when winter storms send clean groundswells and east winds blow offshore, OB delivers some of Northern California's most powerful beach break surfing.
Ocean Beach SF surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Direction range
- 260° - 330°
- Size range
- 1m - 5m
- Ideal size
- 2.8m - 4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Beach parking along Great Highway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Ocean Beach SF?
The Ocean Beach SF profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Ocean Beach SF?
The Ocean Beach SF profile uses wind from E (90°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 45° to 135°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Ocean Beach SF?
The Ocean Beach SF scoring profile favors swell from WNW (260° to 330°), a swell-height range of 1m to 5m, and a reference period of 18s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Ocean Beach SF?
The main season at Ocean Beach SF is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Sep, Apr. Big swells year-round. Massive in winter storms.
How do I get to Ocean Beach SF?
The spot profile lists SFO as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 25 minutes. Beach parking along Great Highway.
What kind of wave is Ocean Beach SF?
Ocean Beach SF is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
Big swells year-round. Massive in winter storms.
Getting There
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