Surfing Ocean Park
Updated on Apr 17 2024 8:38am
Surfing at Ocean Park in Santa Monica, California, offers a vibrant and exciting experience for wave enthusiasts. Located at the end of Main Street, this beach was once known as Pacific Ocean Park, named after the nautical-themed amusement park that used to stand at the end of the pier. Today, it is commonly referred to as Ocean Park. Although the amusement park closed its doors in 1967, the surfing scene remains a major attraction for visitors.
Ocean Park features a fun beach break with a point, making it highly surfable. The beach offers a variety of waves, both left and right-handers, providing options for surfers of different preferences and skill levels. However, due to its popularity, the beach can often become crowded. To enjoy some solo wave-catching, it is advisable to arrive early in the day.
Santa Monica Ocean Park benefits from its exposure to the ocean, allowing for relatively reliable surf conditions throughout the year. The beach break can work at any time, with groundswells being more common than windswells. The ideal swell direction is from the southwest, while offshore winds typically blow from the northeast, enhancing the quality of the waves.
For those seeking the best surfing conditions with consistent clean waves, winter, particularly the month of December, is the prime time to visit Santa Monica Ocean Park. During this season, surfers can expect rideable swells accompanied by light offshore winds, creating optimal surfing conditions. In December, clean and surfable waves are found approximately 62% of the time, making it an excellent period for wave enthusiasts. However, it's important to note that 24% of the time, the waves may be blown out, while the remaining 14% may be considered too small by experienced surfers. Nevertheless, beginners and groms (young surfers) can still find suitable waves during these times.
Surfing at Ocean Park in Santa Monica offers an exciting and enjoyable experience for surfers of all levels. With its rich surfing heritage and consistent surf conditions, this beach break continues to draw enthusiasts seeking memorable wave-riding sessions. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Ocean Park is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about surfing in California.
