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

0.4m
SSW 5s

Wind Speed

1 km/h
N

Water Temperature

19.5°C

Satellite view of Lower Trestles
Waves
Wind

Surf Forecast

Rating Scale:

  • Epic (5.0)
  • Good (4.8+)
  • Fair to Good (4.0+)
  • Fair (3.6+)
  • Poor to Fair (2.5+)
  • Poor (2.0+)
  • Very Poor (<2.0)
Thu
9 Oct
Morning
0.5m
SW
4s
NNE
1km/h
Midday
0.5m
SSW
5s
NNE
1km/h
Afternoon
0.5m
SSW
5s
NNW
2km/h
Fri
10 Oct
Morning
0.5m
SSW
4s
NNE
1km/h
Midday
0.5m
SSW
5s
NE
2km/h
Afternoon
0.5-0.6m
SSW
5s
N
3km/h
Sat
11 Oct
Morning
0.6m
SW
5s
SSW
2km/h
Midday
0.6-0.7m
SW
6s
N
1km/h
Afternoon
0.7m
WSW
6s
SSE
6km/h
Sun
12 Oct
Morning
0.8m
WSW
5s
E
6km/h
Midday
0.8m
WSW
6s
NE
4km/h
Afternoon
0.7-0.8m
WSW
6s
NW
5km/h
Mon
13 Oct
Morning
0.6-0.7m
WSW
6s
ESE
5km/h
Midday
0.7-0.8m
WSW
5s
ESE
9km/h
Afternoon
0.8m
WSW
5s
SE
13km/h
Tue
14 Oct
Morning
0.6m
SW
6s
S
12km/h
Midday
0.5-0.6m
SW
6s
SW
9km/h
Afternoon
0.5m
SSW
7s
SSE
17km/h
Wed
15 Oct
Morning
0.5m
SW
7s
SE
3km/h
Midday
0.5-0.6m
SW
6s
ENE
7km/h
Afternoon
0.6m
WSW
5s
ESE
8km/h
Thu
16 Oct
Morning
0.6m
WSW
5s
NE
5km/h
Midday
0.6m
WSW
6s
NNE
6km/h
Afternoon
0.6m
WSW
6s
SE
8km/h
Fri
17 Oct
Morning
0.7-0.8m
W
5s
NNW
4km/h
Midday
0.7m
W
5s
NNE
5km/h
Afternoon
0.6-0.7m
W
5s
NNW
5km/h
Sat
18 Oct
Morning
0.3m
SSW
14s
N
3km/h
Midday
0.3m
SSW
17s
N
5km/h
Afternoon
0.3m
SSW
17s
WSW
5km/h
Sun
19 Oct
Morning
0.4m
SSW
16s
WNW
3km/h
Midday
0.0m
0km/h
Afternoon
0.0m
0km/h

Thursday, 9 Oct

12AM - 3AM
Poor to Fair
0.5m
SW 4s
W 9km/h
20°C
2.5
3AM - 6AM
Poor to Fair
0.5m
SW 4s
W 3km/h
20°C
2.8
6AM - 9AM
Fair
0.5m
SW 4s
NNE 1km/h
20°C
3.5
9AM - 12PM
Fair
0.5m
SW 5s
N 1km/h
20°C
3.5
12PM - 3PM
Fair
0.5m
SSW 5s
NNE 1km/h
20°C
3.5
3PM - 6PM
Fair
0.5m
SSW 5s
NNW 2km/h
20°C
3.3
6PM - 9PM
Poor to Fair
0.5m
SW 4s
W 6km/h
20°C
2.8
9PM - 12AM
Fair
0.5m
SW 4s
S 7km/h
20°C
3.3

Daylight Times

No daylight data available for this date.

Tide Times

No tide data available for this date.

Daily Overview

Overall Thursday is fair with waves holding around 0.8m. The swell is predominantly coming from the South West (SW), with light West (W) winds averaging 4km/h.

During daylight hours, peak conditions are expected between 06:00 - 09:00 with a rating of 3.5/5. It's recommended to check local webcams and conditions before heading out.

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