Sunset Cliffs – Garbage Current Conditions Summary

Sunset Cliffs – Garbage in San Diego, CA is a reef break, for expert surfers only. Current conditions: 1.6 ft waves, nw 10 mph (onshore), rising → high. Small for this break but conditions look fun — 1.6 ft with manageable wind. Garbage at Sunset Cliffs is an exposed reef with left and right peaks. Position yourself near the reef for the steepest take-offs; aim for the outside peaks that wrap into the cove. At low tide the wave gets hollow and fast. Forecasts are updated every 3 hours using ML-corrected NOAA models with live buoy data from CDIP, NDBC, and IOOS stations.

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Optimal Surf Conditions for Sunset Cliffs – Garbage

Surf conditions at Sunset Cliffs – Garbage, San Diego, CA
Best Wind

NE–SE

Best Swell

W–N

Preferred Tide

0.5–3 ft, rising

Best Months

January, February, March, October, November, and December

Low tide, light easterly wind, 4–8 ft W–NW swell.

Wave Tips

Position yourself near the reef for the steepest take-offs; aim for the outside peaks that wrap into the cove. At low tide the wave gets hollow and fast.

Crowd Tips

Moderately crowded due to difficult access; respect locals and spread out between North and South peaks to find space.

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