Seaside Point (Seaside Bay)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Peak crowds during autumn and winter weekends when conditions are optimal.
Rainy season runs from November through March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Rocks
- Submerged rocks
- Sharp barnacles
- Great White Sharks
- Sharks
- Strong rip currents
- Difficult entry/exit
- Large boulders
- Kelp forests
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.
- Not recommended for beginners or outsiders unfamiliar with local etiquette.
- Not recommended without the ability to handle rocky entry/exit timing.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.