Surfing In Oregon?

 It sounds crazy but it is true.  There are even many surf shops opening all along the coast, from Seaside to Pacific City to Depoe Bay and even farther south. Of course you have to forget about warm waters, to surf in Oregon you must be a devoted surfer.  Although the waves are exemplary, surfers have to battle frigid waters (that rarely reaches the 60-degree mark), stormy weather and even sharks! El Niño gives residents a swimmable ocean about once every five years. Surfers have to  wear  5-millimeter thick wet suits year round; to  wear anything less is to tempt hypothermia. The water  temperature is actually warmer in the winter but the weather is stormier.

Listed below are some of Oregon's most known breaks: 
 
 Seaside Cove
Where the sandy beach meets the rocks and bends westward, the Cove resembles a northside jetty setup with potential for long lefts and short, but fun rights at low tide depositing you back in the rip along the rocks. Mushy at higher tides. Popular with longboarders. Protected from S wind. Works on a N to SW swell.
Level: Intermediate to advanced. Not a good beginner spot, despite how inviting it looks.
Hazards: Rip, boulders, closeout sets known for giving a good beating
Access: Turn west on Avenue U, the first traffic light you come to if entering Seaside from the south. Then turn left on Sunset Blvd. When you see the ocean, you'll see the parking spots.
Facilities: Bathrooms
 
 Indian Beach
Sheltered from the prevailing NW wind. Works on a NW-S swell. Often more kayakers than surfers. Peaky lefts and (mostly) rights. Rip along the north wall. Nice trail around Tillamook Head.
Level: All levels
Hazards: Kayaks
Access: Just north of Cannon Beach, follow signs to Ecola State Park. Continue past the Ecola park turnoff to Indian Beach. There is a $3 day use fee.
Facilities: Bathrooms

Short Sands (Oswald West State Park)

Soak in the scenery along the half-mile paved path through old growth forest to this SW facing beach. Depending on swell and wind direction, take your pick from either the north or south end walls, or from several peaks in-between. Very crowded on summer weekends, but the vibe is generally friendly. If you are easily annoyed by beginners practicing on the inside, better surf somewhere else. Overnight camping a bonus.
Level: All levels
Hazards: Beginners, crowds, parking lot theft
Access: 10 miles south of Cannon Beach. Three parking lots off HWY 101. Best to use the middle lot, east of the Hwy. Trailhead next to the bathrooms. Don't leave valuables in car!
Facilities: Bathrooms, campground
Oregon State Parks Web Link: Go!

Oceanside

Nice beach with clean, fun waves when conditions are right.
 
Level: All levels
Hazards: Strong longshore currents
Access: 11 miles west of Tillamook. Free parking at day use park next to beach. Surf break is a little south of there are there is room for a few cars along hwy.
Facilities: Bathrooms at day use park.
  
 
Pacific City (Cape Kiwanda)

Beautiful beach, free parking and a number of breaks to choose from. A nice right reef peak along the south side of the cape on a bigger, clean W-NW swell. Right in front of the parking lot is a stretch of fun, safe beach breaks ideal for beginners. Gas Chambers (hollow at low tide), and more peaks to the south. Level: All levels
Hazards: Dory boats, jet skis, crowds, sharks
Access: Park in the Cape Kiwanda beach parking lot next to the Pelican Brew Pub.
Facilities: Bathrooms, camping, brew pub!