Seaside Point (Seaside Bay)

Surfing
Advanced riders
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Seaside Point (Seaside Bay) is an exposed left-hand reef/point break known for dependable surfing conditions and long, powerful rides. The wave is described as peeling left and working year-round, with particularly strong potential when a west or northwest swell combines with offshore east winds and you’re on the right tide. The bottom is rocky (with boulder-strewn, reef-covered sections), and the entry/exit is described as difficult and timing-critical. Multiple sources emphasize that strong rip currents and a sweep can move riders toward the rocks, and barnacles and submerged rock hazards are significant—making the spot unsuitable for beginners. Wind considerations are central to wave quality: east and northeast winds are described as offshore and able to groom the face, while onshore winds (including west winds) are said to ruin the shape. The spot also calls out that high tide tends to get very mushy and pushes surfers closer to the rocks, so lower tide is generally preferred. Finally, this is a highly local surf environment. Lineup etiquette is mandatory, and outsiders who don’t understand local expectations are discouraged. Because lifeguards are not present and rescues are described as not available, surfers should plan conservatively, observe conditions before committing, and be prepared for advanced, hazardous ocean conditions—especially as swell builds in winter.

  • Left-hand reef/point break with long, powerful rides
  • Offshore east winds can improve wave shape
  • Better structure often with a lower tide
  • Winter storms can create world-class heavy surf
Great for
Advanced riders
What's great
  • Long, powerful left-hand point break with excellent quality when conditions align
  • Works year-round and can be dependable when the right swell/wind/tide combination comes together
  • Offshore east winds can groom the wave
Heads up
  • Strict local etiquette and heavy localism
  • Advanced-only due to rocky entry/exit and intense conditions
  • Strong rip currents and a sweep that can pull riders toward the rocks
  • High tide can create very mushy conditions and increase rock hazard
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, NE
Offshore directions
E, NE
Wind Type
Gradient — East to northeast winds described as a gradient pattern; east winds are offshore for the break.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
October, November, December, January, February
Shadow Zones
The headland provides shelter from south winds but can create turbulence.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Rocks — Rocky/reef composition at the break.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Big — Winter storms can bring heavy, world-class conditions.
Launch
Small — Rocky entry and exit point requiring careful timing between sets.
Launch Difficulty
Expert only — Entry/exit requires careful timing and advanced ability.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
8–15 °C
Water Temperature
4–22 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodMay–Oct: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Peak crowds during autumn and winter weekends when conditions are optimal.

Storm/Rain Season

Rainy season runs from November through March.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed left-hand reef/point break that peels left with long, powerful rides. The spot is described as world-class in the Pacific Northwest but requires experienced handling due to rocky access and intense local conditions.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
W, NW
Swell Height
1.5–4.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Lower tide is emphasized; high tide can become very mushy and pushes you toward the rocks.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Shelter level varies; sources describe the break as exposed overall, with wind shelter from some directions provided by the headland.
Wind Effect
East winds are offshore and groom the wave; west winds are onshore and ruin the shape.
Bigger Swell
Holds significant size; becomes a heavy, world-class wave during winter storms.
Wave Quality
Excellent — Described as dependable year-round with better structure on the right swell and tide.
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Hollow
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Long — Can offer rides exceeding 200 meters when sections connect.
Typical Ride Length
150 m
Ride Length Details
Rides can reach long distances when sections connect; typical rides described as around 150 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Seaside Point (Seaside Bay) in the full forecast view.

Seaside Point (Seaside Bay) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–16 ktsGusts 25 kts
Direction
SSW192°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2516 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–2.8 m9s period
Temperature
5–13 °C

Over the next 7 days, Seaside Point (Seaside Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.0–2.8 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • Rocks
  • Submerged rocks
  • Sharp barnacles
  • Great White Sharks
  • Sharks
  • Strong rip currents
  • Difficult entry/exit
  • Large boulders
  • Kelp forests
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHoodGlovesLeashKnife

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Seaside or Astoria; in emergencies dial 911.
Localism / Vibe
Heavy — Local surfing community is described as strongly protective; outsiders and beginners should expect friction.

Rules of the spot

Strict lineup etiquette is mandatory; wait your turn and do not drop in.

Restrictions
  • Not recommended for beginners or outsiders unfamiliar with local etiquette.
  • Not recommended without the ability to handle rocky entry/exit timing.
Local Tips
  • Observe the entry and exit points for at least 20 minutes before heading out.
  • Exit the water well before the rocks if the swell is picking up.
  • Respect the locals as localism is heavy here.
  • High tide can get very mushy and pushes you toward the rocks.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Seaside
Nearest Town
Seaside
Parking
Public parking lot available at 'The Cove' area, but it fills up quickly during good swells
Access
Access is via a parking lot at the south end of Seaside at the end of Sunset Boulevard. Public parking lot available at 'The Cove' area, but it fills up quickly during good swells.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous hotels and vacation rentals available in the town of Seaside.
Food & Drink
Full range of restaurants and cafes available within 5 minutes drive in Seaside.
Equipment Rental:
Surf shops in Seaside provide rentals, primarily for the nearby beach break.
Gear Storage
Specific gear storage facilities are limited; most visitors store equipment in private vehicles or at local accommodations.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard and wetsuit repair services available through local surf shops.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Seaside Point (Seaside Bay)?

The best overall months at Seaside Point (Seaside Bay) are September, October, November, December, January, February. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February.

Which wind directions work at Seaside Point (Seaside Bay)?

Seaside Point (Seaside Bay) works with E, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.

What skill level is Seaside Point (Seaside Bay) suitable for?

Seaside Point (Seaside Bay) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.