Crowd & Localism
Weekdays are typically empty. A handful of surfers appear on weekends but the lineup stays relaxed. No reported localism. The remote feel of the pass rewards early-morning sessions before any weekend traffic builds.
Alabama, Alabama, United States
West Pass
30.239, -87.737
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against WannaSurf
At a glance
- West Pass is a a-frame over beach, short sandsanbar a-frame with left and right peaks.
- Beginner to intermediate ability, working 2-6 ft.
- Peak June to October, water 16-30°C.
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Intermediate2–6 ftJun – Oct
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.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jun – Oct
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Character
Short sandsanbar A-frame with left and right peaks.
Conditions
When it worksOptimum tide
All tides
Trip planning
Quick facts
Water temp
16° to 30°C
Wetsuit
Boardies to 3/2
What to bring
- Longboard or funboard for everyday small surf
- Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 6in for tropical swell days
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits
Location
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About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
Alabama's Gulf Coast has limited surf infrastructure. Bring your own water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. The surrounding marsh habitat means mosquitoes onshore and marine hazards in the water. Stingrays and jellyfish are a real and recurring issue given the tidal flow, not a theoretical one.
Nearby Alternatives
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have beach-break peaks that pick up the same SW swells and can be worth checking if the sandbars at West Pass are not cooperating. Florida Panhandle spots a short drive east offer similar sandbar setups with marginally more consistent swell exposure.
10-day swell, wind and tide
West Pass surf forecast
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Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
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Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at West Pass
What skill level is West Pass suited for?
West Pass is a beach bottom, short sandsanbar a-frame with left and right peaks, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does West Pass work best at?
Working size is 2 to 6 ft. Below 2 ft the swell goes flat. Above 6 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf West Pass?
West Pass fires from June through October. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does West Pass need?
West Pass switches on with swells out of the SE to SW (135 to 225 degrees).
What type of wave is West Pass?
West Pass is a a-frame-breaking wave over beach. Short sandsanbar A-frame with left and right peaks.
How crowded is West Pass?
Lineup is mellow. Visiting surfers fit in fine if they wait their turn.
Sources
- WannaSurf
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