Old Man’s is the heart of San Onofre, delivering soft, rolling rights and lefts that are tailor-made for logging and family sessions. The gentle takeoff makes it accessible for all ages.
Named after the old-timers who held court there in the 1950s, Old Man’s remains a shrine to classic California surfing with wooden board racks, aloha shirts, and ukulele jams after sunset.
Expect knee to chest-high peelers that run for long distances on south swells. The inside reforms allow multiple generations to share the same wave.
Tide insight: High tide keeps the wave soft and forgiving. Low tide exposes slippery cobblestones—booties help on early morning walks.
Swell outlook: South swells are the ticket. Even a modest 2-3 foot pulse provides rideable peelers all day.
Wind game plan: Morning calm and light offshore breezes hold until midday. Afternoon winds add bump but rarely shut it down.
Water temperature watch: Ranges from 58°F in winter to 72°F in late summer. The cobblestones soak up heat, making dawn patrol feel warmer than nearby breaks.
Crowd and safety notes: Expect a heavy pack and keep an eye on Tightly packed longboard lineups, Soft-tops flying loose during wipeouts, Cobblestone bottom that bruises toes at low tide. Rotate respectfully, call your waves, and plan an exit route before paddling out.
Parking and amenities: State beach lot fills at sunrise. Overflow parking along the bluff requires extra walking—bring wheels for heavy boards.. Nearby support includes Restrooms, showers, and picnic tables next to the parking lot, Food trucks, coffee, and surf rentals on busy weekends. Lock in a backup parking option so you can pivot fast when the lot reaches capacity.
Session prep snapshot
Save this checklist before you paddle out—update times refresh hourly so you always see the latest intel.
- Best tide window
- High tide keeps the wave soft and forgiving. Low tide exposes slippery cobblestones—booties help on early morning walks.
- Swell sweet spot
- South swells are the ticket. Even a modest 2-3 foot pulse provides rideable peelers all day.
- Wind strategy
- Morning calm and light offshore breezes hold until midday. Afternoon winds add bump but rarely shut it down.
- Water temperature
- Ranges from 58°F in winter to 72°F in late summer. The cobblestones soak up heat, making dawn patrol feel warmer than nearby breaks.
Hazards to watch: Tightly packed longboard lineups, Soft-tops flying loose during wipeouts, Cobblestone bottom that bruises toes at low tide. Log the session in your Quiver journal to track how these variables impacted your surf.
Old Man's FAQs
Is Old Man’s good for first-time surfers?
Yes. The wave is gentle, the community is welcoming, and lifeguards patrol peak hours. Lessons are available on-site.
What board should I ride?
A longboard, mid-length, or soft-top with plenty of volume keeps you moving through the softer sections.
How early should I arrive?
On summer weekends, arrive before sunrise. Locals often line up at the gate before it opens.