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
Good

Wave Height

0.5m
SW 7s

Wind Speed

3 km/h
SSE

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)
Fri
23 May
Morning
0.6m
SW
6s
ESE
3km/h
Midday
0.6-0.7m
SW
5s
ESE
5km/h
Afternoon
0.7-0.8m
SW
5s
SSE
10km/h
Sat
24 May
Morning
0.9-1.0m
WSW
6s
SE
10km/h
Midday
0.9m
WSW
6s
SE
9km/h
Afternoon
0.9m
WSW
6s
SSE
8km/h
Sun
25 May
Morning
0.8m
SW
7s
NNE
2km/h
Midday
0.8m
SW
7s
NW
1km/h
Afternoon
0.8m
SW
7s
SSW
7km/h
Mon
26 May
Morning
0.8m
SW
7s
S
2km/h
Midday
0.8m
SW
7s
ESE
4km/h
Afternoon
0.8m
SW
7s
S
7km/h
Tue
27 May
Morning
0.7m
SW
6s
ESE
8km/h
Midday
0.7m
SW
6s
SE
11km/h
Afternoon
0.7m
SW
7s
SSE
12km/h
Wed
28 May
Morning
0.8-0.9m
WSW
6s
SE
6km/h
Midday
0.8m
WSW
6s
SE
4km/h
Afternoon
0.8m
WSW
6s
SSW
6km/h
Thu
29 May
Morning
0.7m
WSW
6s
ENE
2km/h
Midday
0.6-0.7m
WSW
6s
ENE
3km/h
Afternoon
0.6m
WSW
6s
WNW
7km/h
Fri
30 May
Morning
0.5m
SW
7s
SE
1km/h
Midday
0.5m
SW
7s
WSW
2km/h
Afternoon
0.5m
SW
8s
WSW
7km/h
Sat
31 May
Morning
0.4m
SSW
18s
SSE
4km/h
Midday
0.4m
SSW
18s
SSE
3km/h
Afternoon
0.4m
SSW
18s
S
7km/h
Sun
1 Jun
Morning
0.4m
SSW
17s
ESE
6km/h
Midday
0.0m
0km/h
Afternoon
0.0m
0km/h

Friday, 23 May

12AM - 3AM
Fair
0.6m
SW 7s
WSW 9km/h
20°C
3.3
3AM - 6AM
Fair to Good
0.6m
SW 7s
SSW 3km/h
20°C
3.8
6AM - 9AM
Fair to Good
0.6m
SW 7s
ESE 3km/h
19°C
3.8
9AM - 12PM
Poor to Fair
0.6-0.7m
SW 6s
E 5km/h
19°C
2.5
12PM - 3PM
Poor to Fair
0.7m
SW 5s
ESE 5km/h
19°C
2.5
3PM - 6PM
Poor to Fair
0.7-0.8m
SW 5s
S 9km/h
19°C
2.5
6PM - 9PM
Poor to Fair
0.8m
SW 5s
S 15km/h
19°C
2.5
9PM - 12AM
Poor to Fair
0.8m
SW 6s
S 14km/h
19°C
2.5

Daylight Times

No daylight data available for this date.

Tide Times

No tide data available for this date.

Daily Overview

Overall Friday is poor to fair with waves varying between 0.9-1.4m. The swell is predominantly coming from the South West (SW), with light South (S) winds averaging 8km/h.

During daylight hours, peak conditions are expected between 06:00 - 09:00 with a rating of 3.8/5. 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