Bunkers 1
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Bunkers 1 is an exposed sand beach break on the Samoa Peninsula near the Humboldt Bay entrance, known for reasonably consistent surf that can work at any time of the year. Surf is reported as best in winter—especially January—when west swells arrive and southeast winds are offshore. The break produces both lefts and rights, with mid-tide noted as optimal while the spot is also described as surfable at all tides. Wave quality is generally described as good, and when sandbars are well-formed the waves can feature hollow, powerful sections. Conditions here are strongly shaped by safety and water energy: strong rip currents are common, particularly near jetty rocks and during larger swells. Hazard notes also include submerged rocks, occasional driftwood/debris, heavy surf, and reports of shark sightings. The water is consistently very cold (about 10–14°C), so appropriate thick wetsuit protection is essential. Because there’s no lifeguard presence reported and rescue coverage is not confirmed at the beach, plan for self-sufficiency. Practical local guidance emphasizes surfing with a buddy, being a strong swimmer, and checking sandbar positioning after big storms since the bottom can shift frequently.
- Exposed, reasonably consistent beach-break surf
- Best in winter (especially January) with west swells and southeast offshore winds
- Rips and strong currents are the main hazard; surf with a buddy
- Cold water year-round (around 10–14°C); thick wetsuit required
- Exposed beach break with reasonably consistent surf
- Works year-round (best in winter for reported conditions)
- Can offer hollow/powerful sections when sandbars form well
- Rides are typically medium and can range up to ~150 meters
- Strong rip currents and strong currents
- No lifeguards or rescue coverage reported at the beach
- Very cold water
- Jetty rocks and occasional debris increase risk
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE
- Offshore directions
- ESE
- Wind Range
- 12 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade
- Reliability
- low
- Shadow Zones
- Jetty provides some shelter from southerly winds for the immediate area
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access via walk from parking lot; wide sandy area located north of the North Jetty (per provider description).
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty reported as easy by one source and moderate by another.
Through the year
Rainy season typically runs from November through March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach break with reasonably consistent surf that can work at any time of the year. Breaks both left and right; best in winter (especially January) with west swells and southeast offshore winds.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Surfable at all tides (spot guide), with mid tide reported as optimal.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Best with offshore Southeast winds; can become messy with strong North or West winds. Offshore-from-southeast can support surf shape.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold significant size but may close out if the swell is too large or the period is too short.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Often features hollow and powerful sections when sandbars are well-formed.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides typically range from 50 to 150 meters depending on sandbar quality.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides typically range from 50 to 150 meters depending on sandbar quality.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bunkers 1 in the full forecast view.
Bunkers 1 wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–9 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- NNW334°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 279 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.0 m9s period
- Temperature
- 6–15 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bunkers 1 is forecast for daytime winds of 1–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.5–1.0 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rips
- strong currents
- jetty rocks
- submerged rocks near the jetty
- frigid water temperatures
- heavy surf
- Great White sharks
- occasional driftwood and debris
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are located in Eureka.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Surfers should be strong swimmers due to strong currents and rip hazards.
- Always surf with a buddy due to remote nature and shark risk.
- Check the sandbars after big winter storms as they shift frequently.
- A walk from the parking area to Bunkers 1 is shorter than to peaks further north.
- May be better for bodysurfing with suit and fins due to strong currents.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Eureka
- Nearest Town
- Samoa
- Parking
- Parking pull-outs on the west side of the road south of the Samoa Bridge; parking lot at the Coast Guard complex entrance. Unpaved parking turnouts are also available along the access road.
- Access
- Take the first right after entering the Coast Guard complex, park in the lot and walk down to the beach. The spot is out near the end of the peninsula south of the Samoa Bridge, on the west side of the road.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Vacation rentals and hotels available in Eureka and Arcata.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on-site; multiple options available in nearby Eureka.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available via local surf shops in Eureka and Arcata (specialized kite/windsurf rental is extremely limited).
- Gear Storage
- No dedicated public gear storage facilities are available in the immediate jetty areas.
- Gear Repair
- Local surf shops in the Humboldt Bay area provide repair services.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The region is characterized by rugged coastline and historic maritime culture around Humboldt Bay and nearby redwood landscapes.
One of the most photographed Victorian homes in America, located in Old Town Eureka.
The oldest zoo in California, featuring a Sky Walk through the redwoods.
Historic district featuring 19th-century architecture, art galleries, and local boutiques.
Home to the world's tallest trees, located a short drive north of the region.
A craft brewery and restaurant located in the heart of Eureka.
Showcases the maritime history of the North Coast.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bunkers 1?
The best overall months at Bunkers 1 are January.
Which wind directions work at Bunkers 1?
Bunkers 1 works with ESE winds. Offshore directions are ESE.
What skill level is Bunkers 1 suitable for?
Bunkers 1 suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.