The Groins (Westport)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
The Groins (Westport) is a sheltered beach/jetty surfing break at the Grays Harbor south jetty area, where the man-made rock structures help shape consistent surf. Sources describe predominantly left-hand waves, with some right peaks near the jetty rocks, and emphasize that conditions can change quickly around the jetty due to current and rip activity. Winter conditions are generally favored. January is specifically cited as the best month, with a report that surf quality is more often clean when winds are suitable, while blown-out conditions still occur. Low tide is consistently identified as best for the wave setup, and offshore winds from the south are described as improving the experience. Safety is a major consideration. Heavy rip currents can pull surfers toward the jetty or out to sea, and risks rise near the rocks and near-jetty currents. Additional concerns include rocks/submerged obstacles and water pollution—especially after heavy rainfall—so it’s important to be cautious with access points and water entry strategy. When planning a session, early morning is repeatedly noted as a time with more room, but the spot can still get quite busy when surf is up. Recommended cold-water gear includes a winter wetsuit plus hood, gloves, and boots, reflecting the consistently low water temperatures in the region.
- Sheltered, jetty-influenced beach break with consistent wave production
- Low tide is best
- Offshore south winds help surf quality
- Cold water—winter-grade wetsuit recommended
- Sheltered, consistent beach/jetty break
- Works best with offshore south winds and low tide
- Reasonably consistent surf with a mix of left-hand waves and some right peaks near the jetties
- Strong rip currents are common, especially near the jetty structure
- Rocks and possible submerged obstacles near the jetty
- Water quality can be affected by pollution/heavy rainfall
- Can get quite busy in the water when surf is up
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- S
- Reliability
- 36% blown out in January, 48% clean in January
- Best Months
- January
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave size is described generally, with the ability to handle larger swells.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach/jetty break area near man-made rock jetties at Grays Harbor; soft sandy beach extending south from the jetty.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Reported as easy by one source; moderate by another due to access/jetty conditions.
Through the year
Highly crowded on weekends and during summer months; quieter during mid-week winter days.
Late autumn through winter (November to March) is the peak rainy and storm season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Sheltered beach/jetty break at the south jetty of Grays Harbor. Primarily left-hand waves with some right peaks near the man-made rock jetties; can handle larger swells but increases risk with strong currents near the rocks.
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Low tide is consistently cited as best; sources conflict on whether higher tides also work well.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Sheltered beach/jetty break with jetty protection from some prevailing winds.
- Wind Effect
- Best with offshore winds from the south; the jetty/shelter setup provides protection in certain wind directions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold significant size but becomes increasingly dangerous due to heavy currents near the rocks.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Described as average/good depending on conditions and wind cleanliness.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Sources describe powerful waves, with some variability in quality.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling sections with medium peel speed reported.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short but punchy rides; 3 peaks visible near the jetty area.
- Ride Length Details
- Three visible peaks starting furthest north near the jetty; they shift but stay in the same general area.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for The Groins (Westport) in the full forecast view.
The Groins (Westport) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–14 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- S171°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.9 m9s period
- Temperature
- 6–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, The Groins (Westport) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.7–1.9 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
- rip currents
- rocks
- pollution
- localism
- submerged obstacles near the jetty
- water pollution after heavy rainfall
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability reported as limited for the area.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Local mild localism reported; competition for the jetty-adjacent peaks can be fierce.
Rules of the spot
Be friendly and wait your turn; multiple peaks are available—respect insiders sitting near peaks. Heavy rip currents can be dangerous here, pulling surfers toward the jetty or out to sea.
- Early morning is often best with plenty of room.
- Survey from the bluff first.
- Watch for the three peaks near the jetty.
- Start inside in whitewater to practice pop-ups before moving outside.
- Avoid the immediate vicinity of the jetty if you are not experienced managing strong rips.
- Water quality can be an issue after heavy rains.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Westport
- Nearest Town
- Westport
- Parking
- Parking at Westhaven State Park (end of Jetty Haul Rd). Alternative parking on the north side of Neddie Rose Dr in Marina District; no view from car. Parking can fill up on good surf days.
- Access
- Parking for the jetty is at Westhaven State Park at the end of Jetty Haul Rd. Alternative approach via Marina District (drive through, keep right onto Neddie Rose Dr, park on north side; climb rock wall to access).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Multiple hotels and vacation rentals are available in Westport.
- Food & Drink
- Several restaurants and coffee shops are located within walking distance of the marina and beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available via local surf shops in town.
- Gear Storage
- On-site gear storage facilities are not standard; some seasonal/locker options may exist via shops.
- Gear Repair
- Yes
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 The Groins (Westport)?
The best overall months at The Groins (Westport) are January, February, March, April, November, December. The best wind months are January.
Which wind directions work at The Groins (Westport)?
The Groins (Westport) works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is The Groins (Westport) suitable for?
The Groins (Westport) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.