Once you head towards the coast of the Beaver State, you’ll discover infinite lengths of beaches and outstanding surf breaks that will set your taste buds alight with Surfing in Oregon. Stretching across 362 miles, the coast of Oregon has made sure every surfer will find the perfect waves here. Oregon has breaks for beginners and experienced, longboarders and shortboarders, and everyone in between. Framed by stunning scenery, the ocean awaits to dazzle you with memorable moments on the board.
While the south-facing breaks attract adventurous surfers with huge swells in the winter, the best time for surfing in Oregon has to be the fall when the waves are clean and the weather is gentle. The water temperature is considered to be one of Oregon’s surfing hazards because it can easily drop as low as 40 without any warning. Surprisingly, the water can be colder in the summer than in the winter, so for the best chances to enjoy fabulous surfing days in Oregon, the fall seems like the best choice.
Indian Beach
Level: Beginner to Advanced
If you’re at the beginning of your surfing journey, Oregon has plenty of surf schools to help you get the hang of it and find the perfect balance on the board. Indian Beach is often the number one choice for beginners due to its calm atmosphere and breaks coming mostly from the right. While sheltered from the winds, the waves never disappoint, and nor does the scenery dominated by the colossal basalt rock of Tillamook Headland. For a fabulous surfing experience, check the wind conditions and head to the water when it decides to blow from the east.
Otter Rock
Level: Beginner to Advanced
At the north end of Beverly Beach awaits the glorious surfing spot of Otter Rock and its 2 to 4-foot waves. Cozied up between Depoe Bay and Newport, Otter Rock has impressed the people at Outside magazine who voted it as one of The Best North American Beginner Surf Spots, and many consider it to be the Waikiki of Oregon. In other words, if you want to make sure you’re hitting the perfect waves for your level of experience, look no further than this giant bluff. The massive rock will protect you from the wind and giant swells while offering reliable and consistent surf year-round.
Pacific City
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Add Pacific City to your list of surf spots in Oregon if you want to visit one of the most beloved surf towns in the state. The local reef break and west groundswells make sure surfers have the time of their life all year long. Winter lures in mostly seasoned surfers who aren’t afraid of crests as high as 12 feet and swells breaking over the reef. However, if you stick to the beach in front of the parking lot, you’ll find that the ocean will treat you kinder without the need to drag your board very far. And, as a bonus, the Pelican Pub situated nearby is always ready to impress visitors with some of the best beer in Oregon.
Oswald West State Park
Level: Beginner to Advanced
There’s no talking about surfing in Oregon without mentioning the fabulous Oswald West State Park. A premier surf spot, the park is located 10 miles south of Cannon Beach and impresses its audience with lush rainforests, imposing sea cliffs, ad infinite headlands. Surfers often meet at the Short Sands to take advantage of glorious waves and what all the cool guys call epic surf. Waves break on sandbars, and you will certainly get your fill of clean waves regardless of when you decide to visit. While the spot has ideal waves for beginners, veterans also love it when the southwest swells push up against the north wall. Crowds are to be expected at times, but beauty always comes with admirers.
Agate Beach
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Rarely crowded, Agate Beach is protected from the north wind but still has plenty to offer to surfers who are tired of beginner spots and are looking for next-level waves. Home to fun breaks, this beautiful surf spot surprises with impressive barrels and gorgeous swells coming in from the west. You’ll find both wind swells and groundswells, but also sharks, so keep an eye out for them. For breathtaking views of the ocean, head to Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the community’s number one attraction. Just of the Yaquina Head, you’ll discover a lovely exposed beach break with rideable waves. It is a pebble beach so generates an interesting wave to enjoy but is not suited for beginners.
Lincoln City
Level: Advanced Only
Take on the waves at Lincoln City only if you’re a master at the art of surfing and you definitely know what you’re doing on the board. With seven miles of sandy beaches guarded by a rugged coastline and exposed reef, Lincoln City welcomes veteran surfers with real challenges. You can always count on consistent waves with both groundswells and wind swells. Looking for an adventure? Head to the rugged patches of the coast and count on the rough swells coming from the west that nonchalantly reach up to 10+ feet.
Oregon offers amazing cool to cold water surfing conditions, it also offers big wave surfing with wave spots at certain times of the year reaching over 25+ foot and you will see big wave riders enjoy these monsters as they crash the shoreline of Oregon.
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