West Pass

A sandsanbar break at the mouth of a tidal pass on Alabama's Gulf Coast, West Pass produces lefts and rights that shift with the sandbar's ever-changing shape. SW to SE groundswell angled into the pass, light NW to NE offshores, and a mid-to-incoming tide bring the best conditions. Rideable from under 1ft up to 8ft plus on a rare tropical storm swell, though the everyday range sits firmly in the 1-4ft zone. The wave is forgiving enough to teach beginners, yet a solid tropical swell can push it into genuinely fun territory for intermediates. Bottom: sand. Season: late summer through fall hurricane season. Consistency: low to moderate, swell-dependent. Be aware that the lagoon drains through the break, pushing stingrays and jellyfish into the lineup regularly, so shuffle your feet on the bottom and check the water before paddling out.