Brooks Street Surf Guide

Brooks Street is the most storied wave in Laguna Beach, a powerful reef break that has hosted the Brooks Street Surfing Classic, one of the oldest surf contests in the country, since 1956. It is a serious, advanced wave, not a beginner spot, so read this before you paddle out.

The wave

Brooks breaks over a shallow rock reef and can throw fast, hollow, powerful walls when a good south swell lines up. On the right day it is one of the best waves in Orange County, peeling long enough for real high-performance surfing. On the wrong day, or in the wrong hands, the shallow reef and strong local crowd make it a spot to watch rather than surf.

When to go

Brooks wants a solid south or southwest swell with the tide and wind cooperating. It is fickle and only comes alive on bigger days, which is exactly when the lineup fills with experienced locals. Mornings before the wind are best. If it is flat at the beach breaks, Brooks is usually not the answer.

Getting there and parking

Brooks Street Beach sits at the end of Brooks Street off South Coast Highway, a short walk down a public stairway. Parking is metered street parking in the neighborhood and fills fast on a swell, so arrive early. The shop is just up Coast Highway if you need wax or a leash before you go.

What board to ride

This is a performance reef wave, so most surfers ride a shortboard or step-up tuned to the day. It is not a longboard or foam-top spot. If you are still building toward waves like this, browse our surfboards and talk to us about the right step in the progression.

Respect the lineup

Brooks has a real local crew and a long history, so etiquette matters here more than almost anywhere in town. Do not drop in, wait your turn, and be honest about whether your skill matches the wave. If you are newer to surfing, Laguna has gentler options.

Newer to surfing?

Start at the sandy-bottom beach breaks instead. Our home wave is one block from the shop, and our Thalia Street Beach guide walks you through it. A surf lesson with a local instructor is the fastest way to build the skills that spots like Brooks eventually reward. For the full lay of the land, see our Laguna Beach surf guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is Brooks Street good for beginners?

No. Brooks is a shallow reef break for experienced surfers. Beginners should learn at the sandy beach breaks like Thalia Street first.

When does Brooks Street break?

It needs a solid south or southwest swell, so it only works on bigger days. When the beach breaks are flat, Brooks is usually flat too.

What board should I ride at Brooks Street?

A shortboard or step-up suited to the conditions. It is a high-performance reef wave, not a longboard or soft-top spot.