Surfing at Otter Rock
One of the best beginner-friendly surf spots on the Oregon Coast. Gentle waves, a protected cove, and a sandy bottom make Otter Rock ideal for learning to surf.
Why Otter Rock is Perfect for Beginners
Most Oregon Coast surf breaks are powerful and intimidating, but not Otter Rock. The beach sits in a protected cove at the base of Devil's Punchbowl, where the rocky headlands block the harshest swells and create mellow, forgiving waves.
🌊 Gentle, Consistent Waves
The cove filters out larger swells, leaving smaller, slower waves that are perfect for learning to pop up and ride.
🏖️ Sandy Bottom
Otter Rock has a gentle-slope sandy beach which makes it easy to walk nearly all the way out into the lineup.
🛡️ Protected Cove
The headlands shelter the beach from strong currents and winds that make other spots challenging for beginners.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
The mellow conditions make it one of the few Oregon beaches where parents can comfortably teach kids to surf.
Don't let "beginner-friendly" fool you, Otter Rock still delivers fun waves for intermediate surfers and of all capabilities.
Best Conditions for Surfing
🗓️ Best Seasons
- Spring (March - May): The best swells are available in the shoulder seasons. Consistent waves with cooler water.
- Fall (September - November): Brings larger swells while water temps remain reasonable.
- Summer (June - August): Offers the warmest water, smallest waves. Perfect for beginners and families.
🌊 Ideal Conditions
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Swell: 3–6 ft at 10+ seconds
- Wind: Light or offshore (east wind)
- Time: Early morning often has the calmest winds
Check Surfline for current conditions and forecasts and webcam.
What You Need to Know
🌡️ Water Temperature
Oregon water is cold year-round—expect 50–58°F in summer and 45–50°F in winter. A 3/2mm wetsuit is often enough for summer; you'll want a 4/3mm with booties for spring and fall. 5/4 wetsuits are recommended in the winter.
🏄 Board Recommendations
For beginners, start with a soft-top foam board (8'+). They're stable, buoyant, and forgiving. As you progress, transition to a longboard.
⚠️ Safety Tips
- • Never surf alone, especially as a beginner
- • Watch the water for 10–15 minutes before paddling out to understand the waves and currents
- • Stay in the sandy area—rocks are exposed at low tide on the edges of the cove
- • Respect other surfers: don't drop in on someone already riding a wave
- • When in doubt, don't go out.
Board & Wetsuit Rentals
Several shops in and near Otter Rock rent boards and wetsuits. Most offer beginner packages with soft-top boards.
Other Surf Spots Nearby
Otter Rock has a lot of options with-in easy driving distance. Here are some other non-secret spots to check out as you progress.
Beverly Beach and Moolack Beach - immediately to the south
The 5 miles of beach extending south from Otter Rock to Yaquina Head. Long sandy beach with multiple peaks and access trails.
Agate Beach — 10 minutes south
More exposed than Otter Rock but still manageable. Head here on smaller days for more power.
Lincoln City — 15 minutes north
Heavy beach breaks for more experienced surfers.
Plan Your Surf Trip
Our house is a 2-minute walk from the beach at Otter Rock. Wake up, check the waves, and be in the water in minutes.
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