Summer isn’t just a vibe—it’s a forecast. When those long-period lines start charging up from the Southern Hemisphere, SoCal’s point breaks and beachies come alive. South swell season means post-sunset sessions, board shorts all day, and t-shirts that never make it back onto the hanger.
Whether you’re chasing barrels, logging clean lines, or just looking to soak up that post-surf burrito glow, there are certain spots that consistently deliver when the buoys scream SSW.
Here are IPD’s favorite South Swell Magnets in Southern California—surf-tested, sunrise-approved, and ready for any mission in your board short and t-shirt kit.
1. Lower Trestles (San Clemente)
The crown jewel. The proving ground. The go-to when a south hits.
Lowers is one of the most dependable and dialed-in waves during south swell season. It dishes out perfectly shaped A-frames with lefts and rights that run forever—perfect for sharpening your turns or locking into the occasional runner. You’ll find pros, frothing groms, and everyone in between fighting for a slice of that energy.
When it’s on, it’s world-class. Just expect to share it with 50 of your new best friends.
Wear: Your favorite IPD board shorts and a lightweight t-shirt—it’s a sunrise-to-noon mission kind of place.
Pro tip: Pedal in on a bike and beat the crowd.
2. Malibu (First Point)
Classic glide, palm trees, and that unmistakable nose-riding magic.
First Point Malibu fires on a south swell, with long peeling rights that run from the top of the point all the way down the beach. It’s a dream for loggers, cruisers, and style-heavy surfers who like to trim and flow.
There’s a reason legends are always in the water here. The wave is timeless—and the crowd knows it.
Bring: A chill attitude, a clean single-fin, and a soft t-shirt for that easy post-surf hang on the beach.
Style it out: Rock your board shorts low and your smile high.
3. Newport Beach (The Wedge + River Jetties)
One spot for mayhem, one for magic.
When a south swell lines up just right, The Wedge turns into a freak of nature—massive, mutant shorebreak barrels that punish anyone too slow to duck dive. Not for the faint of heart, but an absolute spectacle even from the sand.
For a more manageable (but still super fun) session, head north to River Jetties. There, peaky beach break wedges offer high-performance waves perfect for shortboards, fish, or anything fast.
Dress code: Trunks only. No wetsuit needed. And maybe an IPD t-shirt in your backpack for after.
4. Huntington Beach (South Side Pier)
Hometown pride. Consistency. All the energy.
HB Pier, especially the South Side, thrives on south swells. With defined sandbars and a punchy beach break setup, you’ll score everything from head-high hacks to air sections and reform tubes—sometimes all in one wave.
The scene is busy but fun, with every generation of SoCal surfer in the mix.
Pack: Your best board short and a backup t-shirt, because chances are you’re staying longer than you planned.
Bonus points: Stay for golden hour and snag a few clips—it’s one of the most photographed surf zones on the coast.
5. Blacks Beach (La Jolla)
Deep water canyon meets raw power.
Blacks doesn’t mess around. When a long-period south connects, the wave turns heavy, fast, and perfectly hollow. It’s a different level of surf—more North Shore than Newport—but if you’re ready for it, it’s one of the most rewarding sessions in SoCal.
The paddle alone earns you points, and once you're out there, it’s all about respect, commitment, and timing.
Gear up: Minimalist is key. Grab your IPD board shorts, toss on a tee for the hike down, and go get it.
Final Word: Chase the Buoy, Not the Crowd
South swell season is more than just waves—it’s a mindset. Early alarms, gas station coffee, bare feet on hot sand, and t-shirts tossed on wet shoulders after a solid session. It’s where all the hours on a board come to life.
Wherever you go—whether you’re pulling into a Wedge cavern, trimming through a Malibu shoulder, or throwing fins at HB—do it in gear that keeps up. Our board shorts are designed to move, stretch, and stay light. Our t-shirts are soft, breathable, and clean enough to go straight from surf check to breakfast burrito.
South swell windows don’t last forever. Make the most of every one.
