This time of year brings big waves to Morro Bay.  So grab your wetsuit, pack up the boards, and head to the coast for a Morro Bay surf trip.  Or, take your camera and bring a chair to watch the waves roll in, crash, and spray over the breakwater.  Find consistent winter waves to ride or watch, and three surf competitions to keep you busy when you’re not in the water this winter in Morro Bay.

The Waves

There's a wave activity for everyone, so bring the whole family.  Find a spot in The Rock parking lot and walk right or left depending on your preference – to ride or to watch.
Local Tip: The waves are especially active during the annual King Tides February 8-9, 2020.

Catch a Wave: 
Winter brings bigger swells along our six miles of beachbreaks.  And less crowds during these months means more waves for all.  This is also the time of year that the south jetty beachbreaks near the entrance to the bay are the most active.  So, you’ll have lots of locations and wave options to choose from.  Including “The Pit” – the iconic location right beside Morro Rock to the north.
For more information on the perfect break location click here.

Watch the Waves:
You can also enjoy the waves as they collide and fly into the air over the breakwater just south of Morro Rock.  Our own water fireworks of sorts.  Caution: be sure to watch from a safe distance and height.  Stay off jetties and don’t turn your back to the ocean. 
For more information on where to watch the waves click here.  

The Comps

Watch as local and national surfers take to the waves during three Morro Bay surf competitions this winter.

World Surf League’s (WSL) SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay
February 27 -  March 1, 2020 | Morro Rock
This brand-new WSL Men’s and Women’s QS1000 event will be taking over The Rock during the last weekend of February.  As the International Professional Surfing foundation, you’re sure to catch some impressive heats. 

30th Annual Big, Bad, & Ugly Surf Invitational
February 15, 2020 | Morro Rock
An infamous competition that's one of the most challenging surfing events in the Coalition of Surfing Clubs’ schedule.  This invitational is put on by the Estero Bay Surf Club, and as a club event, spectators can enjoy competitors having tons of fun on their boards.

West Coast Board Riders Competition
January 25, 2020 | Morro Rock Beach
Come see surfers of all ages in this regional team competition as part of the 2019-2020 series.  Competitors must be local to enter, so come see the surfers this area has grown. 

And even when there isn’t a competition on, there are always surfers you can watch catching waves at Morro Rock. 

The Boards

Don’t want to travel with your board?  No problem.  The local surf shops will hook you up with a rental and have you on the waves in no time.  Or if you’re looking for a trip souvenir, pick up a board to add to the quiver.

  • You can rent boards and wetsuits as well as find pretty much anything surf related you could want at the local surf shops – Morro Bay Surf Shop/AzHiAzIaM and Wavelength Surf Shop. 
  • If you’re looking to surf like a local, try a custom shaped board from Joe’s Surfboard Shop or Nautilus Surf Co.  Both board lines are designed and made in town – exclusively Morro Bay.  And with over 35 and 10 years of experience respectively, you’ll be riding something you can trust. 
Re-fuel and Relax

Morro Bay has more than just waves, there’s also a lot of establishments to enjoy some grub and a brew before or after a paddle or wave watching stint.  You’ll also find many relaxing and adventure options – including a beach that faces due west.  Can you say sunset picnic with a fire in one of the beachfront City firepits to keep cozy?  Sounds like the perfect way to end a full day of winter waves.     

Stay

Morro Bay Hotels are close to the waves and stocked with all the amenities.  And our Vacation Rentals are perfect for when you’re traveling with lots of gear or a group.  Either way, Morro Bay lodging options are the ideal spots to rest up after a busy day exploring Morro Bay. 

Now is the perfect time of the year to come to Morro Bay for a surf or wave watching trip.  We got the waves and the surf events to keep you busy!  For more information call the Morro Bay Visitor Center at (805) 225-1633 or book your stay today.