OB Jetty (Ocean Beach)

OB Jetty (Ocean Beach) is an exposed beach/jetty surf break on the north end of Ocean Beach, where a long rock jetty helps shape sandbars and contributes to consistent wave peaks along the beach. The wave is most associated with right-hand breaking off the rocks, sometimes with A-frame tendencies, and it typically runs roughly parallel to the jetty. The spot is generally considered good-to-reliable for surfing, with winter conditions (notably November through February, and particularly January) described as the best time for favorable conditions. One key limiter is water quality: because the jetty sits right by the San Diego River mouth, bacteria/pollution risk can become very poor after rain, and it’s advised to avoid getting in the water for about 72 hours following heavy rainfall. On the water, hazards include jetty and shoreline rocks and commonly strong rip currents, especially near the jetty and river mouth. Localism is noted as moderate, so visitors should be prepared to follow standard surfing etiquette and stay within the flow of local riders while keeping extra caution around currents and rocks. Wind pattern information indicates sea-breeze behavior that often supports afternoon sessions, while reports also note offshore East winds grooming the face. Typical swell windows are described for West/West-Northwest to Southwest swells, with a practical working swell height range referenced as roughly 0.9–2.5 meters, and large swells can sometimes result in closure. Lifeguard/rescue coverage is described as limited for the spot, with the nearest station referenced to the south at the foot of Santa Monica Avenue.