Bolsa Chica Reviews and Ratings
(Orange County, USA)
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Visitor reviews of Bolsa Chica surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Bolsa, she is a fickle lady. Can be fun and mellow like San O then look out she turns gnarly. Lifeguards stay busy with all the stingray hits so try and shuffle your feet but if you surf here long enough you will have a ray encounter and that can be a good pain sandwich.
Get on the surf early as wind blows it out before noon and careful at low tide. Gets crowded but mostly mellow not like the pier.”
Dave from UNITED STATES - 02 Nov 2021
Bolsa Chica Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 7 votes and 4 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.6(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.4(1: Bolsa Chica is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.0(1: Bolsa Chica is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Orange County. 5: the best break in Orange County). |
Difficulty Level: 2.1(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.6(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Bolsa Chica can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.8(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Bolsa Chica, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.5(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Bolsa Chica are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.3(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.3(1: Often too crowded. 5: Bolsa Chica is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.9(1: Getting to Bolsa Chica requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 3.2(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.5(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.2(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Bolsa Chica for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 4.0(1: Camping at Bolsa Chica is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Bolsa Chica is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.4(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.8(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Bolsa Chica, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.2(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Bolsa Chica where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“I've been surfing Bolsa T23 for 10 years. I shortboard. The best time in my opinion, is on a high tide, between 2' and 4' on a Southern swell with energy, and an offshore Santa Ana. This combo produces a clean and fast ride. Crowds on weekends. Best during the week.”
Alain from UNITED STATES - 15 Sep 2021
“Bolsa McRocks, good clean fun. Tower 16, 17 and 18 if you are any good. Tower 25 if you're just learning. I surf and SUP. I guess you're supposed to SuP just south of 16 in front of the river channel. When I did, I caught some good ones. Have fun.”
Dave from UNITED STATES - 24 Aug 2019
“A small group of friends and I surf our kayaks at Bolsa Chica once or twice a week. We seldom have any trouble with the board surfers, as we're usually happy to inhabit the less prime areas. We like it because even on days with bad reports, we seem to be able to find a ride. Conditions can change quite a bit with the tide. Seems to close out when it gets bigger. Busy in the summer, but everyone seems to make room. Nice facilities and close to down town HB or Sunset Beach”
Mark from UNITED STATES - 07 Oct 2014
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