Surfing in Jenner

There is excellent surfing all along the Sonoma coast. One of the most popular areas is only a twenty-five minute drive from Jenner, just south of Bodega Bay. There is a shop in Bodega Bay called the Surf Shack where all the equipment can be purchased or rented and information can be obtained. The following is a list of the the more popular surf spots in the area. They are listed in geographic order from south to north.

Dillon Beach at the mouth of Tomales Bay usually has respectable waves. Known for its swirley, squirrelly currents where the bay's backwash collides with ocean currents, Dillon Beach can be treacherous for boaters and surfers who venture too far from shore.

Salmon Creek just north of Bodega Bay is probably the second-most popular surfing spot (after Bolinas) on the North Coast. Salmon Creek waves tend to be bigger and faster, more to the liking of short boarders and experienced riders.

Portuguese Beach, Gleason's Beach, Omars and Fecal Peaks (the latter two informal names you won't find on a map) north of Salmon Creek can offer good waves if wind and swell direction cooperate.

Jenner and other beaches near the mouth of the Russian River can produce good waves if sandbar positioning, currents and other conditions are right.

Fort Ross Beach, somewhat protected from northerly winds, swells nicely after winter storms.

Black Point Beach at the southern end of Sea Ranch, also somewhat protected from wind, attracts as big a crowd as any stretch of beach north of Salmon Creek.

Lost Coast beaches -- There are several surf spots along the 30 miles of relatively secluded coastline but they require a little work. There are no public roads along the coast between Shelter Cove and Cape Mendocino so you'll need to hike or paddle in.

Back to Local Activities

The above information was found in an article that was posted on the NorthBay.com Web site. See the full article called Surf's Up.