Beach / rock peak / Intermediate+
Perch Rock / North Jalama
Also searched as: North Jalama
The northern Jalama peak around the locally named Perch Rock zone.
- Reported direction
- Left & right
- General swell window
- W–NW with occasional S wrap
- Reported tide preference
- Low–mid; bar dependent
- Bottom
- Sand, reef & exposed rock
More a shifting beach-and-rock setup than one permanent takeoff. It can offer either direction when the bar and swell line up, but the coast is brutally wind-exposed.
Things to check: Strong currents, exposed rocks, powerful shorebreak, sharks, cold water and rapid wind changes.
Location: Approximate north-beach landmark pin. Jalama Beach County Park. Check current access independently.
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Provenance is not proof that every inherited claim or current access condition has been rechecked.
Beach / Intermediate+; advanced with size
Jalama Beachbreak
Also searched as: Campground · Main Beach
The broad, powerful campground beachbreak—the most accessible of Jalama’s named surf zones.
- Reported direction
- A-frame / left & right
- General swell window
- S–NW; broad exposure
- Reported tide preference
- Low–mid; sandbar dependent
- Bottom
- Sand with scattered rock
Multiple peaks migrate with sand. South swells can light up the summer bars; west and northwest energy produces heavier winter surf.
Things to check: Rips, shorebreak, powerful closeouts, cold water, wind, sharks and limited rescue coverage.
Location: Documented campground beach zone. Jalama Beach County Park. Check current access independently.
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Provenance is not proof that every inherited claim or current access condition has been rechecked.
Reef / beach / Advanced
Cracks
Also searched as: The Crack
A hike-south reef-and-bar section known for punchier peaks than the campground beach.
- Reported direction
- Left & right
- General swell window
- SW in summer; W–NW in winter
- Reported tide preference
- Low–mid; reef and bar dependent
- Bottom
- Reef ledges & sand
The Crack is a durable local name, but the actual peak slides with sand and swell direction. It can produce a strong left and a shorter right.
Things to check: Shallow reef, longshore current, cliff pinch points, rising tide, wind, sharks and remote rescue.
Location: Approximate named-section pin. Walk south from Jalama Beach County Park on a safe tide. Check current access independently.
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Provenance is not proof that every inherited claim or current access condition has been rechecked.
Reef / Advanced
Jalama Reef
Also searched as: The Reef · South Jalama Reef
The reef section between Cracks and Tarantulas, separated here from the shifting beach bars.
- Reported direction
- Left & right
- General swell window
- W–NW; some S/SW
- Reported tide preference
- Low–mid; enough water over reef
- Bottom
- Rock / reef
A more fixed-bottom option that needs clean, well-aimed swell. The distinction between Reef and adjacent peaks varies in local usage.
Things to check: Shallow rock, strong sweep, long walk, cliff exposure, cold water, sharks and no quick exit.
Location: Approximate local-name reef pin. Walk south from Jalama Beach County Park only with safe tide and conditions. Check current access independently.
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Provenance is not proof that every inherited claim or current access condition has been rechecked.
Reef / Advanced–expert
Tarantulas
Also searched as: T’s · South Jalama
Jalama’s serious southern reef, best known for a fast, hollow left and the ability to hold real winter energy.
- Reported direction
- Left-dominant
- General swell window
- W–NW in winter; SW can work
- Reported tide preference
- Low–mid; section dependent
- Bottom
- Rock / reef
The left is the prize, with a shorter right possible on some angles. It is substantially more consequential than the campground peaks.
Things to check: Heavy surf, shallow reef, strong current, isolation, sharks, long walk, cliff pinch points and rapidly worsening wind.
Location: Approximate named reef pin. Long shoreline walk south from Jalama; verify tide and conditions. Check current access independently.
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Provenance is not proof that every inherited claim or current access condition has been rechecked.