I mention this surf spot because it is unique from many other surfing beaches in Orange County and even San Clemente. Probably less crowed than many other SC beaches, Poche is located in north San Clemente on PCH at the corner of Camino Capistrano. Metered parking can be found along Camino Capistrano or in a parking lot adjacent to the gas station on the corner. If you park in the parking lot beware as portions of it require a club or community parking sticker. Access the beach by crossing PCH or using an underground access tunnel. I like Poche because it is more local and quiet than other nearby beaches. For example, you can walk south of the small beach club house there and you will find a relatively unregulated stretch of sand. There locals will bring their dogs, coolers full of beer and even build beach fires in the sand. There are not many places like that left in Orange County! This beach kind of gives you an old school feeling of how the San Clemente beach scene was 30 plus years ago.
As for the wave, well there you sacrifice a little for the beach culture. Poche breaks best on a southwest swell. When under head high, this is primarily a beach break and can get a little inconsistent and weak. Breaking both left and right, you can find peaks from the mobile homes sitting to the south of the beach to the larger homes of Capo Beach to the north. On a larger south or southwest swell the reef will break outside off the creek that spills into the ocean. This is when Poche can impress: Expect a rolling left and right off of a deeper water reef. Poche is best at mid tide and when the wind is off shore. There is no specific paddle out point so just time the sets. You will find waves all year and even larger winter swells will break on the outer reef with hollow pealing rights at the correct tide. The beach is notorious for its urban runoff pollution but in California that is a small price to pay for a rather uncrowded beach that still possesses culture reminiscent of the 1970s. Just take a shower after.
As for the wave, well there you sacrifice a little for the beach culture. Poche breaks best on a southwest swell. When under head high, this is primarily a beach break and can get a little inconsistent and weak. Breaking both left and right, you can find peaks from the mobile homes sitting to the south of the beach to the larger homes of Capo Beach to the north. On a larger south or southwest swell the reef will break outside off the creek that spills into the ocean. This is when Poche can impress: Expect a rolling left and right off of a deeper water reef. Poche is best at mid tide and when the wind is off shore. There is no specific paddle out point so just time the sets. You will find waves all year and even larger winter swells will break on the outer reef with hollow pealing rights at the correct tide. The beach is notorious for its urban runoff pollution but in California that is a small price to pay for a rather uncrowded beach that still possesses culture reminiscent of the 1970s. Just take a shower after.
Wave Type: Beach break with outside reef
Swell Direction: North and West , best on South
Bottom Terrain: Mostly Sand
Experience: Beginner to average ability
Photo: Bodyboarder unknown – Photo by Graeme Thickins/Fickr.com
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