United States > California > San Clemente

Lower Trestles

California's high-performance wave, popular for its playful walls and rippable sections.

Premium cobblestone point break offering perfect peaks. Known for consistent waves and high performance surfing. Multiple peaks suit various styles.

Current Conditions
Fair

Wave Height

0.6m
W 9s

Wind Speed

10 km/h
SW

Water Temperature

16°C

Satellite view of Lower Trestles
3:10 PM (Current)
Fair
Waves
0.6m 9s
Wind
10 km/h

Surf Forecast

Mon
7 Apr
Morning
0.5m
WSW
5s
NE
2km/h
Midday
0.5-0.6m
WSW
7s
ESE
1km/h
Afternoon
0.7m
W
9s
S
5km/h
Tue
8 Apr
Morning
0.7-0.8m
W
8s
NNE
1km/h
Midday
0.7m
W
8s
ENE
1km/h
Afternoon
0.7m
W
8s
SSW
4km/h
Wed
9 Apr
Morning
0.8m
W
6s
NNE
2km/h
Midday
0.7-0.8m
W
6s
NE
1km/h
Afternoon
0.7m
W
7s
SSW
3km/h
Thu
10 Apr
Morning
0.6m
WSW
7s
ESE
1km/h
Midday
0.6m
WSW
7s
E
1km/h
Afternoon
0.6m
WSW
8s
S
4km/h
Fri
11 Apr
Morning
0.6-0.7m
SW
9s
SE
3km/h
Midday
0.7m
SW
9s
SSE
2km/h
Afternoon
0.7-0.8m
SW
9s
N
5km/h
Sat
12 Apr
Morning
0.8m
SSW
10s
SE
8km/h
Midday
0.8m
SSW
9s
SE
10km/h
Afternoon
0.8m
SW
9s
SSE
15km/h
Sun
13 Apr
Morning
0.8-0.9m
SW
8s
SSE
11km/h
Midday
0.9m
SW
8s
SE
13km/h
Afternoon
0.8-0.9m
SW
8s
SE
10km/h
Mon
14 Apr
Morning
0.8m
SW
7s
ESE
8km/h
Midday
0.7-0.8m
SW
6s
ENE
6km/h
Afternoon
0.7m
SW
6s
NNW
6km/h
Tue
15 Apr
Morning
0.6m
SW
7s
S
1km/h
Midday
0.6m
SW
7s
ESE
1km/h
Afternoon
0.6m
SW
6s
SSW
4km/h
Wed
16 Apr
Morning
0.4m
S
15s
S
5km/h
Midday
0.4m
S
14s
SE
3km/h
Afternoon
0.4m
S
14s
SSE
5km/h
Thu
17 Apr
Morning
0.4m
S
14s
S
10km/h
Midday
0.0m
0km/h
Afternoon
0.0m
0km/h

Monday, 7 Apr

12AM - 3AM
Poor to Fair
0.4m
SW 6s
W 11km/h
15°C
2.7
3AM - 6AM
Fair
0.4-0.5m
WSW 5s
NW 4km/h
15°C
3.2
6AM - 9AM
Fair
0.5m
WSW 5s
NNE 2km/h
15°C
3.5
9AM - 12PM
Fair
0.5-0.6m
WSW 6s
E 2km/h
15°C
3.5
12PM - 3PM
Fair
0.6-0.7m
W 7s
SE 1km/h
15°C
3.5
3PM - 6PM
Fair to Good
0.7m
W 9s
S 4km/h
15°C
3.7
6PM - 9PM
Fair
0.7-0.8m
W 9s
SW 10km/h
15°C
3.3
9PM - 12AM
Fair
0.8m
W 9s
SW 10km/h
16°C
3.0

Daylight Times

First Light
6:05am
Sunrise
6:30am
Sunset
7:16pm
Last Light
7:41pm

Tide Times

Time Tide Height
12:41am Low 0.6m
6:21am High 1.4m
1:19pm Low -0.1m
7:24pm High 1.2m

Daily Overview

Overall Monday is fair with waves varying between 0.7-1.3m. The swell is predominantly coming from the West (W), with light South West (SW) winds averaging 6km/h.

During daylight hours, peak conditions are expected between 15:00 - 18:00 with a rating of 3.7/5. It's recommended to check local webcams and conditions before heading out.

Tide conditions: Low tide at 1:08am (0.6m) , High tide at 6:35am (1.4m) , Low tide at 1:32pm (-0.1m) , High tide at 7:40pm (1.2m) .

Spot Information

Trestles, often called "the Californian skatepark," represents one of North America's premier high-performance surf spots. This cobblestone point break creates perfectly shaped waves that seem designed for progressive surfing, offering long rides with multiple sections for turns and aerials.

The main peak, Lower Trestles, produces an A-frame wave that breaks both left and right over a cobblestone bottom. The consistent shape and moderate pace of the wave make it ideal for practicing advanced maneuvers. The wave maintains its form across various sizes, from 2 to 8 feet.

Summer months (June to September) typically deliver the most consistent conditions, with south swells providing the best waves. The spot works through various tides, though mid to high tide typically offers the best shape.

Local tip: The long walk to the break helps limit crowds, but Lowers can still get very busy, especially during prime conditions. Respect the lineup rotation and be prepared to share waves. The cobblestone bottom, while not as dangerous as reef, still requires awareness.

Required Skill Level

Beginner

Hazards & Warnings

Cobblestone bottom Long walk in Crowded conditions Strong currents

Wave Characteristics

Break Type:
Cobblestone Point
Bottom Type:
Cobblestone
Wave Quality:
Perfect
Wave Speed:
Medium
Wave Length:
Long
Consistency:
4/5

Ideal Conditions

Wind:

5-15 km/h E (90°)

Swell:

1-3m Period: 11s SW (220°)

Tides:

Low to Mid Tide

Peak Season:

June July August September

Best Times:

Early Morning Late Morning

Environmental Factors

Summer Water Temp:
20-23°C
Winter Water Temp:
14-17°C
Wind Protection:
Moderate
Swell Exposure:
Moderate
Tide Sensitivity:
Low

Logistics

Crowd Level:
Very Crowded
Access:
Moderate
Parking:
State park parking lot, long walk required
Facilities:
Toilets Showers State Park Facilities

Bathymetry Profile

Cobblestone point break with gradually sloping bottom. Series of underwater cobblestone reefs creating multiple peak zones. Sand patches between rock formations.

Depth Contours:

Inner Break:
1-2m
Middle Peaks:
2-4m
Outside Section:
4-6m

Seabed Features:

Cobblestone reefs Sand channels Multiple peak zones Gradual slope Scattered rock formations
Average Slope Ratio:
1:30

Local Knowledge

Local Etiquette:

  • Take turns
  • Share waves
  • Respect all skill levels

Local Rules:

  • No parking on residential streets
  • Stay on trail
  • Pack out trash

Known As:

Lowers The Crowd Factory