Windansea
Windansea is La Jolla's historic heart—a reef break with an iconic palm-thatched surf shack that has served as the meeting point for San Diego's most committed surfers since the 1950s. The wave offers both lefts and rights over a rocky reef, producing quality walls when conditions align. The local crew has earned a reputation for protecting their break, and visitors should approach with appropriate respect. The shack, the parking, and the waves combine to create one of California's most atmospheric surf experiences.
Today's Conditions
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 240° - 300°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (70°)
- Offshore range
- 30° - 110°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
7/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Street parking on Neptune Place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Windansea?
Windansea works best on a low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Windansea?
Offshore wind at Windansea blows from the ENE (70°). Anything in the 30° to 110° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Windansea?
Windansea wants W swell (240° to 300°) between 0.6m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Windansea?
The main season at Windansea is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Jul-Sep. Best on W swells. S swells also fun.
How do I get to Windansea?
Fly into SAN, then allow about 20 minutes by road. Street parking on Neptune Place.
What kind of wave is Windansea?
Windansea is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Jul-Sep
Best on W swells. S swells also fun.
Getting There
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