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Excerpt from The Stormrider Guide North America...
"Surfwise, Oregon's got it all. If the state was relocated to a warmer part of the world, it would rival Southern California in its variety of beaches and surf. Alas, (and thankfully), it's no California; although its waves and beaches are the most accessible of any state in the country, the fact ins, it's Oregon. The water's cold, there are lots of snappy white sharks, the wind and rain are intense (especially during surf seasons), and swells are often generated by storms so near to shore that it's hard to make it out through the short-period waves. Still, on a good day, surfing in Oregon can be as fun and rewarding as surfing anywhere in the world."
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The surf spots listed here are some of Oregon's most known breaks, many of which are located at state or city parks with a range of facilities. Some even have Web Cams pointed at them! These spots are also listed in The Storm Rider Guide to North America. Sorry, no secrets revealed here. Check in with a local surf shop for more info for a specific area. REMEMBER, wherever you go... respect the lineup, surf with manners and know your limits.
Note to beginners: just because a spot is "ok" for all levels, please know your limits! ALL spots are dangerous in big surf, some more gnarly than others. If you are struggling to get outside, you're probably better off NOT making it out. Better safe and on the beach than being lifted out by a helicopter (and it happens every year!). Check out the Surfing101 page for some surf basics, especially on etiquette.
Lastly, a word about keeping Oregon beaches clean: Several times a year volunteers participate in organized beach clean-ups. We can help out by not being a part of the problem. Pack out all your trash, and take some that others left. If you see it, but leave it, you're almost as guilty as the person who littered it in the first place.
Surf Spots for the North Coast are listed below.
Go here for Central Coast Spots. Click here for a Central Coast Map
And here for South Coast Spots. Click here for a South Coast Map
North Coast Spots View North Coast Map
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| Seaside Cove
Where the sandy beach meets the rocks and bends westward, the Cove resembles a northside jetty setup with potential for long lefts and short, but fun rights at low tide depositing you back in the rip along the rocks. Mushy at higher tides. Popular with longboarders. Protected from S wind. Works on a N to SW swell.
Level: Intermediate to advanced. Not a good beginner spot, despite how inviting it looks.
Hazards: Rip, boulders, closeout sets known for giving a good beating
Access: Turn west on Avenue U, the first traffic light you come to if entering Seaside from the south. Then turn left on Sunset Blvd. When you see the ocean, you'll see the parking spots.
Facilities: Bathrooms
Oregon State Parks Web Link: Go!
Web Cam: YES
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| Indian Beach
Sheltered from the prevailing NW wind. Works on a NW-S swell. Often more kayakers than surfers. Peaky lefts and (mostly) rights. Rip along the north wall. Nice trail around Tillamook Head.
Level: All levels
Hazards: Kayaks
Access: Just north of Cannon Beach, follow signs to Ecola State Park. Continue past the Ecola park turnoff to Indian Beach. There is a $3 day use fee.
Facilities: Bathrooms
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Short Sands (Oswald West State Park)
Soak in the scenery along the half-mile paved path through old growth forest to this SW facing beach. Depending on swell and wind direction, take your pick from either the north or south end walls, or from several peaks in-between. Very crowded on summer weekends, but the vibe is generally friendly. If you are easily annoyed by beginners practicing on the inside, better surf somewhere else. Overnight camping a bonus.
Level: All levels
Hazards: Beginners, crowds, parking lot theft
Access: 10 miles south of Cannon Beach. Three parking lots off HWY 101. Best to use the middle lot, east of the Hwy. Trailhead next to the bathrooms. Don't leave valuables in car!
Facilities: Bathrooms, campground
Oregon State Parks Web Link: Go!
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Oceanside
Nice beach with clean, fun waves when conditions are right.
Level: All levels
Hazards: Strong longshore currents
Access: 11 miles west of Tillamook. Free parking at day use park next to beach. Surf break is a little south of there are there is room for a few cars along hwy.
Facilities: Bathrooms at day use park.
Oregon State Parks Web Link: Go!
Web Cam: YES
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Pacific City (Cape Kiwanda)
Beautiful beach, free parking and a number of breaks to choose from. A nice right reef peak along the south side of the cape on a bigger, clean W-NW swell. Right in front of the parking lot is a stretch of fun, safe beach breaks ideal for beginners. Gas Chambers (hollow at low tide), and more peaks to the south. Level: All levels
Hazards: Dory boats, jet skis, crowds, sharks
Access: Park in the Cape Kiwanda beach parking lot next to the Pelican Brew Pub.
Facilities: Bathrooms, camping, brew pub!
Oregon State Parks Web Link: Go!
Web Cam: YES
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| Go to Central Coast Spots | South Coast Spots |
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