Ventura Surf Guide

Wedged between the Topatopa mountains and the Pacific, and smack dab between Malibu and Santa Barbara, Ventura is a prime piece of the Southern California Coastline. 

Crashing on that coastline, are some of Southern California’s best waves.

Waves in Ventura

Ventura is home to a variety of waves, making it a desirable location for shortboarders, longboarders, beginners, and pros alike. 

With the winter and fall bringing the most consistent swell, it’s the prime bit of Ventura’s surf season. 

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for several days to pass in the summer without an inkling of swell. But when south swell hits Ventura in the summer, it can definitely turn on a few favorite spots and make for some of the best waves of the year. 

Surf Culture in Ventura

The classic breaks in Ventura are by no means well-kept secrets, meaning on a decent day you’ll probably find yourself in a crowded lineup. 

Like many surf towns, Ventura has a wide range of attitudes across its well-established surf community. There are some localised waves, as well as a generous amount of beginners out in the water. 

From the absolute grom at Ventura Harbor snaking everyone in the lineup, to the first-time wavestorm rider, to the old-head longboard legend, you’ll likely see just about every character in the book after a few surf sessions in Ventura. 

Gear Needed to Surf in Ventura

When suiting up in Ventura in the winter, you’ll want at least a 4:3 to be feeling good in the water. You’ll see your share of people out in hoods and booties too, especially in the colder months. 

In the summer, the water warms up by 10 or so degrees, but don’t count on it ever getting much warmer than 65. You’ll see many people getting away with spring suits, and even see your fair share of people trunking it on sunny days. 

To know what board to bring out totally depends on the time of year and the break you're at. When in doubt, just go check the surf.

The Best Surf Locations in Ventura

Spot 1: Ventura Point/C St. 

The most classic Ventura Surf spot, Ventura Point, breaks along the entire wall, offering many segments suited for varying skill levels. 

Starting in the south, “C St.” is the name of the cove which sits closest to the pier. It’s a longboard haven and can be a friendly spot for newer surfers. 

Moving north is what serves mostly as a connector wave, referred to as “Pipe,” aptly named after the large drainage pipe it sits in front of. Past the pipe is the point, a steeper more competitive wave. 

Spot 2: Mondos 

Mondos on a good day can give you everything you want from a friendly longboard break. 

Its easy access and generally kind vibe, makes it an appealing break for beginners. It’s not uncommon to see the surf school van parked across the street and lots of wavestorms out in the lineup.  

On a good day though, even the local log legends can be spotted tearing it up at the generally less crowded of the Ventura waves. 

Spot 3: Ventura Harbor 

Within Ventura Harbor there are really two spots. 

What’s referred to as “South Jetty” is the nice left that peels off the large rock jetty. A bit further down the beach there is a middle section that gets some rights, but the gem of South Jetty is the sweet left. This is a shortboard spot, often overrun by local groms. 

Just south of that is known as “Surfers Knoll,” which is pretty much your average shortboard beach break, lots of sand and no rocks. 

What To Do in the Ventura When the Waves are Flat

While lots of people head to Ventura in pursuit of waves, there's still plenty to get up to when there is no swell. 

Even without waves, the surf community in Ventura remains highly apparent. It’s the kind of place where you can walk around barefoot and sopping wet from the ocean without getting a second look. 

Downtown Ventura is a walkable shopping street, full of thrift and antique stores where the great treasures you’ll find will surely make you forget all about the fact that it’s flat. 

After strolling around, a good burrito from one of the many great taquerias always seems to hit the spot. Or if you’re feeling a bagel, Bageliscous has the best ones around. 

If you're looking to do more than just wandering the streets of Ventura (though that keeps me busy for the day,) take a beach day at Emma Wood State Park or visit the lovely Ventura Botanical Gardens. Both will make for excellent places to pray for some surf. 

Conclusion: Ventura Surfing

Ventura has certainly earned its place as one of the top surf spots in Southern California. With its wide selection of waves and epic atmosphere, you really can’t go wrong in Ventura.