The Secret Surf Spots that Ventura Locals Love
As the warm weather and water begin to cool and another summer comes to a close, there is one hope that keeps the spirits of Sothern California surfers alive: Winter Swells. You may be tempted to go charge spots like Rincon, C Street, and County Line. Rather than join the crowded lineups, try one of these hidden spots, certain to get you some worthy waves.
Growing up in the area and spending a significant amount of time actively avoiding crowds, I have come to really enjoy what I have come across. Empty lineups and proper waves is truly the best of both worlds. Some of these spots have various names or nicknames or do not have surf forecasts for them, so I am using the name I know and will use the closest available Surfline forecast. Here are a few spots I’ve found to be successful.
Emma Wood
If you’re an avid fan of Dane Reynolds, chances are you’ve heard of Emma Wood. Emma Wood Beach divides the last break of Ventura proper and the points lying North. Decent to good surf defines these two miles lining Highway 101. The crown jewel being Ventura Overhead. Only breaking a few times a year, Ventura Overhead offers large, steep, A-frames and barrels, should the swell have enough west. Most importantly, it is a simple and hidden strip of coast that offers a break from the crowds.
To get to Emma Wood, head north on CA-101 and take exit 72 to Pacific Coast Highway. To the south, there is an entrance to the campgrounds which charge for parking. To the north, you are numerous parking areas to choose from. If you are trying to reach Ventura Overhead, there is a considerable 150-yard paddle out.
Surf Forecast:
https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/emma-wood/5842041f4e65fad6a7708959
Solimar Reef
A stone’s skip away from Emma Wood, Solimar is a rock-lined beach with a reef break 300 yards off the coast. It is a somewhat challenging waves, but it can offer glassy rights and up to 8 ft on a strong swell. Inside of the reef, Solimar beach break also comes alive during swells and is somewhat sheltered from winds.
To arrive at Solimar, follow the same directions to Emma Wood and continue North along PCH. Parking can get tricky with mostly street parking on the sides, but rarely gets overly crowded to make it a major issue.
Surf Forecast:
https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/solimar/5842041f4e65fad6a770895f
New Jetty
New Jetty, a.k.a. Ventura Harbor, has long been a hotspot for surfing talent. When waves are on, you will see some of the best surfers from the area trading barrels and turns on overhead wedges. Broken up by jetties, the preferred section is below the jetty on the southside of the harbor mouth. The crowd can be less-than-inviting, so show respect or elect to go early.
To get here, turn onto Spinnaker Dr. to the end, just in front of the Channel Islands National Park headquarters. Park in the last lot and go out to the south of the lifeguard tower.
Surf Forecast:
Pitas Point
Continuing up the coast from Emma Wood and Solimar, is Pitas Point. A true rival to Rincon. It features an inside section with speedy right walls and deep caverns. The makabilty of these waves may be low, but the possibility of five to six-second tubes is worth it. These waves show up best in strong W swells.
To reach Pitas, you can either exit at Emma wood and drive north past Solimar or get off at exit 1 and drive south. You will have to awkwardly hobble over some rocks so consider some booties as well.
Surf Forecast:
https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/pitas-point/5842041f4e65fad6a7708957
Tarpits
Not far outside Ventura County, Carpinteria is an epic area of surfing the beginning of Santa Barbara County surf at Tarpits. It is an entire bay presenting well-shaped A-frames. However, they are really only rideable at mid tide during W or S swells.
Tarpits is located on the south end of Carpinteria State Beach. The nearest parking is within the State Beach who will charge.
Surf Forecast:
https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/tarpits/5842041f4e65fad6a7708975
I hope this aids you in your quest for perfect, empty waves. Wherever you go, Ventura offers waves, culture, and views you can’t find anywhere else. So, enjoy paddling out and getting your stoke on.
Check out other nearby surf spots here:
