Seventh Street (Seal Beach)

Advanced riders
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Seventh Street (Seal Beach) is a sheltered rivermouth/jetty break that rarely produces rideable surf conditions. When it does show up, it’s typically small most of the time, so sessions often require patience and good timing with swell and tide. On the days it works, the surf is characterized as punchy with fast, often hollow sections, but it’s also known for very heavy shorebreak. Rides are generally short and intense, with most runs finishing in a tough shorebreak. On larger swells, the break is prone to turning into a heavy, unmakeable closeout. Wind-wise, conditions are most active in the afternoon with predictable sea breezes from the west (W–NW). The spot description indicates it’s best when wind lines up favorably—light offshore winds from the northeast or east help keep things cleaner, while other wind directions can reduce wave quality. Safety is a major consideration at Seventh Street: strong rip currents and heavy shorebreak are common, and the area is widely cautioned for stingrays. Additionally, avoid water entry for 72 hours after significant rainfall due to urban runoff and potential bacteria/pollution impacts. Keep proper distance from the pier/jetties (at least 100 feet) and be cautious when entering near structures.

  • Works best around mid tide
  • Afternoon sea breeze pattern (west to NW)
  • Short, intense rides when it’s on
  • Heavy shorebreak and strong currents near the rivermouth
Great for
Advanced riders
What's great
  • Sheltered setup with short, punchy rides when swell lines up.
  • Clear mid-tide preference for getting the best chance of a workable break.
  • Predictable afternoon sea-breeze pattern can help shape conditions when wind is favorable.
Heads up
  • Does not work very often; surf is predominantly small.
  • Heavy, dumpy shorebreak can be very punishing.
  • Close to jetties/pier: strong rip currents and turbulence near structures.
  • Water quality advisories possible after heavy rain.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, SW, NW
Wind Range
8–15 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Predictable afternoon sea breezes from the west (W–NW), typically building into the afternoon.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Described as generally light on gustiness.
Best Months
March, April, May, June
Shadow Zones
Some turbulence immediately south of the pier.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Mostly small waves; the break is described as rarely working well.
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach with easy access from the street end.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Easy access from the street end and a wide sandy launch area.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–21 °C
Water Temperature
14–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Jun: 4/3mmJul, Aug, Sep: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Busy on weekends and during summer; early mornings are less crowded but can still be active.

Storm/Rain Season

December through March

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A sheltered rivermouth/jetty or rivermouth/jetty-adjacent beach/jetty break that does not work very often. When it does, expect mostly small surf with occasional heavier, fast shorebreak.

River mouth
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
W, NW, SW
Swell Height
0.6–1.8 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Works best on mid tide.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Sheltered by the rivermouth/jetty setting, but still known for heavy shorebreak.
Wind Effect
Prefers light offshore winds from the northeast or east; west/southwest winds can reduce quality.
Bigger Swell
Often turns into a heavy, unmakeable closeout on very large swells.
Wave Quality
Good — Often punchy but not consistently clean.
Wave Power
Powerful — Often intense conditions when it does work.
Wave Shape
Barreling — Fast, hollow sections; can barrel, but also tends to go dumpy/closeout as it gets too big.
Peel Speed
Fast — Fast, punchy sections.
Ride Length
Short — Short, intense rides that finish in heavy shorebreak.
Typical Ride Length
30–60 m
Ride Length Details
Typically short, intense rides ending in a heavy shorebreak.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Seventh Street (Seal Beach) in the full forecast view.

Seventh Street (Seal Beach) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–8 ktsGusts 14 kts
Direction
SW233°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 268 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–0.9 m12s period
Temperature
14–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Seventh Street (Seal Beach) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.5–0.9 m with a period of about 12s. 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

  • stingrays
  • pollution and bacteria after heavy rain
  • strong rip currents
  • heavy shorebreak
  • sand/jetties with potential turbulence near structures
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Seal Beach Marine Safety headquarters is located at the base of the pier.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Moderate localism noted.

Rules of the spot

Standard pier-distance rules apply; keep well away from the pier/jetties during entry and riding.

Restrictions
  • Stay at least 100 feet away from the pier.
Local Tips
  • Shuffle your feet every time you walk into the water to help avoid stingrays.
  • Avoid entering the water for 72 hours after significant rainfall due to urban runoff from the nearby rivermouth.
  • Stay at least 100 feet away from the pier.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Seal Beach
Nearest Town
Seal Beach
Parking
Metered street parking and a public parking lot near the pier
Access
Direct public access via 7th Street
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Small hotels and vacation rentals available within walking distance in Old Town Seal Beach.
Food & Drink
Main Street is about one block away with cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Equipment Rental:
Board rentals available via local surf shops on Main Street.
Gear Repair
Gear repair is available at local surf shops on Main Street.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Seal Beach offers a laid-back small-town waterfront atmosphere with nearby access to larger coastal amenities in Long Beach, plus ecological destinations close by.

Best time to visit: May through October for the most reliable weather and wind for multi-sport trips.
Seal Beach Pier0 miles

One of the longest wooden piers in California, offering views of the coastline and skyline.

Aquarium of the Pacific5 miles

Major public aquarium with over 11,000 animals representing diverse regions of the Pacific.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve3 miles

A 1,300-acre coastal estuary with hiking trails and bird watching.

Main Street Seal Beach0.5 miles

Downtown strip with local diners and bars.

El Dorado Nature Center6 miles

Forested oasis with walking trails and educational exhibits.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Seventh Street (Seal Beach)?

The best overall months at Seventh Street (Seal Beach) are January, March, April, May, June. The best wind months are March, April, May, June.

Which wind directions work at Seventh Street (Seal Beach)?

Seventh Street (Seal Beach) works with W, SW, NW winds.

What skill level is Seventh Street (Seal Beach) suitable for?

Seventh Street (Seal Beach) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.