The Reef:
There is no actual reef at Moonlight but
there can occasionally be some rocks in the lineup. The sand below the
ocean's surface is often in movement which causes holes, sand shelves and
possible rocks under the sand to be exposed. Please take caution any time
you enter the ocean due to the fact it is in constant motion and can be
change overnight.
As you travel North or South of the
Moonlight Beach, more and more rocks begin to turn up, both on the beach and
in the surfing lineup. If you decide to walk up or down the beach looking
for waves, please make sure to take it easy until you are comfortable with
the surroundings under water.
A beautiful sunset at Moonlight Beach
The Surf:
Best
Tide: Low to Medium but a High tide doesn't totally ruin
Moonlight beach.
Best
Swell Directing: West and Northwest swells but during
the Summer months, a clean Southwest swell can lead to some
awesome waves along these the beach.
Best
Winds: No wind is best but if any, a East wind will do
wonders.
Best
Size: Anywhere from 2 - 8 feet. Moonlight becomes very
hectic to surf with size over 8 feet.
Best
Months to Catch it Going Off: Moonlight is fun year
around but will be at their best during the Winter months
and occasionally during the Summer.
I'm sure all of us have surfed a bad beach
break at least once in out lives. One of those beach breaks where no matter
where you turn, there is no where to go but straight in toward the beach.
Well, Moonlight is not one of those waves. Moonlight has some awesome waves
ot surf and there is no doubt that the comfort of this beach is a plus!
In front of the South Lifeguard tower,
there is a break that is often very shapely and consistent on a good South
swell, it breaks just south of the Tower and can also be accessed by the D
Street Beach Access. This break is primarily a left and can often hold shape
all the way to the beach. I have seen this break about head high, offshore
winds and almost no one was in the water. Trust me, I was out there and it
was an awesome days of surfing!
A clean right at Moonlight
beach
In front of the Moonlight Beach, there are
several small points that break and with the correct sand movements, there
can be some awesome A-frame waves peeling off of these points. Just as the
same as all beach breaks, the spot is only as good as the conditions and
conditions of the sand and rocks underneath the water. The sandbars at
Moonlight seem to shift a lot as the peaks often move around from week to
week, so be sure to check the surf out before you paddle out to optimize
your session.
*Please note that during the Summer
months, the beach straight in front of the beach at Moonlight is black
balled for surfing and only swimming, body boarding and bodysurfing are
allowed. Surfing is only allowed North and South of the checkered flags that
are displayed on the beach. Please be careful even when surfing outside the
checkered flags to not drift into the black balled area, as the Lifeguards
will get on their loudspeakers and let you know.
During the Winter months, the entire beach
is open to surfing but please still be careful of other people enjoying our
beautiful Pacific Ocean.
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