Oregon SurfingSpots & Rentals
Summer is the sweet spot for surfing in Oregon, though hardy surfers hang tell all year long.
CATCH A WAVE
We’ve rounded up some of the finest places to surf on Oregon’s North Coast, along with local shops that rent boards, wetsuits, and other beach gear. Remember the ocean can be unpredictable, particularly during the stormy winter and fall months.
Even on calm days, sneaker waves surprise unsuspecting people, potentially injuring or sweeping them out to sea. Check the daily tide charts and take precautions.
Longboarders approve of Seaside Cove’s hollow, fun waves at high tide, with a current that makes its waves best-suited for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Indian Beach
Indian Beach, Oregon, USA
*Temporarily closed due to road construction
Indian Beach, in Ecola Park just north of Cannon Beach, is popular with surfers of all levels, plus kayakers, too. You’ll find peaky waves with left and (mostly) right shoulders, with the riptide along the North wall.
Short Sands
Short Sand Beach, Oswald West State Park, Arch Cape, OR, USA
Located in Smugglers Cove within Oswald West State Park, Short Sands has something for everyone. Surfers get clean waves and wind protection; beachcombers get tide pools and a beautiful waterfall.
Surfing Oregon – Rental Shops & Lessons
Northwest Women’s Surf Camps
NW Women’s Surf Camps & Retreats, North Roosevelt Drive, Seaside, OR, USA
(503) 440-5782Hosting surf camps and clinics, the Northwest Women’s Surf Camps, are available as co-ed groups and for private lessons for all in a supportive, safe environment. Find beginner groups for both kids and adults available here.
With shops in both Seaside and Cannon Beach, Cleanline rents wetsuits, surfboards, bodyboards, or skimboards. Their staff knows local surf spots well, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations.
Cannon Beach Surf Lessons & Rentals
Cannon Beach Surf Lessons & Rentals, South Hemlock Street, Cannon Beach, OR, USA
(503) 791-3515Seasoned surf instructors Julie Adams and Michael Costello run their surf shack right beside board shop Cannon Beach Surf. Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available on their website, as well as all of the rental gear you need for a day on the waves.
FAQs: Surfing Oregon
While it’s unclear exactly when the first surfers began riding waves in Oregon, Seaside surfing culture started to develop in the early 1960s. During this time, some established beaches in Seaside and Cannon Beach did not allow surfing, leading surfers to seek out more remote spots along the coast. This early exploration helped to establish Seaside as one of the premier surfing destinations in Oregon.
Some of the best Seaside Oregon surfing spots include Seaside Cove, Indian Beach, and Oswald West State Park. Each location offers unique features, with Seaside Cove being particularly popular for its consistent waves. Indian Beach and Oswald West State Park provide varying levels of difficulty and stunning coastal views, making them great choices for surfers of all skill levels, though they are a further drive from Seaside itself.
To start Seaside Oregon surfing, consider taking lessons from local experts like Oregon Surf Adventures. Based in Seaside, this school offers daily group lessons, private sessions, and surf camps for all skill levels. Learning from experienced surfers will help you gain the skills and confidence needed to enjoy the waves safely.
Seaside Oregon surfing offers a variety of excellent spots for catching waves, even though Oregon isn’t widely known as a surfing destination. Depending on the tide and weather, Seaside can provide strong waves and great breaks, often without the large crowds found at more famous surf spots. The consistent swells and stunning scenery make Seaside a hidden gem for surfers.
For Seaside Oregon surfing, essential equipment includes a suitable surfboard, which can be rented nearby if needed. Due to the cold waters, a wetsuit is also necessary, with thicker wetsuits (4 to 5mm) recommended for colder seasons and thinner ones (3 to 4mm) for summer. Other helpful gear includes booties and gloves to keep warm during colder months.