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Aerial satellite view of Strands surf break in South Orange County, California, United States
South Orange County, California, United States

Strands

33.466, -117.717
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-verifiedCross-checked against 1 reference
A-frame · BeachIntermediate → Advanced4–10 ftJan – Dec

A shifty beachbreak south of Salt Creek that trades consistency for breathing room when the crowds up the road get thick. Strands works best on S swells and short-period W to WNW swells at mid tide, roughly 4-10ft, while longer-period W swells tend to back it into closeouts across the whole bank. Intermediate to advanced surfers will find punchy peaks worth picking through, but the fickle nature of the bank means patience is part of the deal. Bottom: sand. Season: year-round with variable consistency. Consistency: moderate. If Salt Creek is maxed and heaving shoulder-to-shoulder, Strands is worth the walk down for a fraction of the crowd, even if the wave gives less in return.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Intermediate → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Shifty beachbreak peaks, rights and lefts, closeout-prone on long-period swell.

Conditions

When it works
Hazards
Closeouts.
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
13° to 20°C
Wetsuit
3/2 to 4/3 depending on season
What to bring
  • Shortboard 5ft 10in to 6ft 4in for punchy conditions
  • Fish for smaller short-period days
  • Bodyboard for closeout sections
Lineup
Easy-going
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Moderate crowds most sessions, heavier when it's firing and Salt Creek is overwhelmed. Localism is generally relaxed, but tone can shift when conditions align. Standard lineup etiquette goes a long way here. Dawn patrol is the cleanest window.

Access & Facilities

Park on the bluff above and walk down. The descent is short but direct. Water quality is consistently clean. Bring your own water and wax since there are no beach-level amenities at the break itself.

Nearby Alternatives

Salt Creek to the north is the obvious call when Strands is closing out and the swell has length and power behind it. Doheny State Beach further south offers a softer option when size drops and you want a more forgiving bank.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Strands surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

Before you paddle out

Strands is a beach break suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Strands
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