T-Street, CA

Located in the heart of San Clemente, CA., T-Street Beach sits just south of San Clemente Pier. Access it by Trafalgar Street (now you know why they just call it T-Street) and park in numerous free spots up and down the street or there is metered parking closer to the water. T-Street is well known for being consistent year long. For reference, look straight out to the ocean from the pedestrian overpass (access over the train tracks) and you will find the main reef that comprises T-Street. On a solid South Swell, long rolling lefts will form on the outer reef and as you enter the inside section the wave will bowl on the inside on a rock and sand reef. There is a shorter right on certain swells that can be fun to ride as well. T-Street is optimal on a head high swell and best at low tide and with glassy or blowing Santa Ana conditions. It is best to catch this place early in the morning for sake of beating the westerly winds and crowds. There is really no specific paddle out point as with most California spots, it is more about timing the sets to reach the line up efficiently. In the winter you will mostly find rights that thrust you into a solid shore break section. This spot does break on most south, north and combo west swells, but it is the summer south swells that make this place special. In the summer months board Surfers are black balled from the line up which means this is a spongers heaven. Worth noting a finicky winter break just to the north called Cropley’s which can provide a fast freight train right when the north swell is hitting perfect. Just to the South is the “Beach House” which breaks less consistent than T-Street but is always less crowded. T-Street is a great break for Drop Knee riding as you can really get some fun long rides with a small shore break finish.

Wave Type: Outer reef break with inside shore pound
Swell Direction: South, West and sometimes North
Bottom Terrain: Rock and Sand
Experience: Beginner to Moderate Skill

Photo: Surfer unknown – Photo courtesy of Beneath Blue Skies/Flickr