(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Specifically the 11th St. Reef:
Average mellow wave when it's small to medium. Can be somewhat frustrating as the waves tend to peak on the outside, only to back off as it rolls towards shore, making timing tricky for beginners.
Requires a mildly sketchy downclimb from cliffs to access, but parking on the street is very easy during dawn patrol. Relatively uncrowded and no signs of localism the few dozen times I've been there.
Excellent spot for late beginners due to the consistency, lack of crowds, and overall mildness of the wave.”
Kooks McGee from UNITED STATES - 26 Jun 2025
South Del Mar Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 2 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.0(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: 2.5(1: South Del Mar is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.0(1: South Del Mar is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in San Diego County. 5: the best break in San Diego County). |
Difficulty Level: 2.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: South Del Mar can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at South Del Mar, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at South Del Mar are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: South Del Mar is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 3.5(1: Getting to South Del Mar 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: 4.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near South Del Mar for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.0(1: Camping at South Del Mar is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 1.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: South Del Mar is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 2.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at South Del Mar, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 1.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near South Del Mar where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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