Winter is definitely the best season for surfers in Northern California. W and NW swells are the norm, and most of the spots shine when these big swells show up.
I love the winter for the consistency we have during these months, but I also get very excited when it's over. Sure, it means we don't get quality waves that often, but it also means it's the time for SW swells.
I really enjoy heading South to chase south swells during the summer months. It's normally pretty crowded, but sometimes I even manage to catch more waves. Maybe it's because of the warmer temperature that allows you to have longer sessions, I am not sure.
One of my favorites spots down there is Trestles. It is very close to San Clemente, though it's actually part of the San Diego County (it's located right at the line between SD and Orange County). Trestles consists of many breaks, but the most popular are Upper Trestles (Uppers) and Lower Trestles (Lowers).
In particular, Lowers is a perfect A-Frame that gently breaks over a bottom of cobblestones. It's considered a world class wave (up until 2017, it used to be a stop in the WSL World Tour). The paddle out is super easy, and it really makes an average surfer feel like a pro. Sometimes, it breaks so perfectly that it really looks like an artificial wave.
Even though the hike to the spot is quite long (it takes around 20 minutes from the parking lot at Cristianitos Road), it is still one of the most crowded spots in California.
I hope you enjoy this video I filmed during one of my multiple trips from last summer.
Music: Melodic in Fusion - Time Goes By
NOTE: If the video does not load properly, you can check the YouTube alternative here
