The water ranges from flat to waves (depending on swell). There is a reef that is great on a large swell with low tide. As Poche blows sideshore from the north (Doheny), the waves on the reef can be very fun if the conditions align. Otherwise, there are not many surfers in small swell (under 4-6 feet).
South Orange County does not have consistent wind. Many days it will stay below 10 mph. It's best to have a 20 m kite ready for this spot. When it's blowing in the spring through fall (about 5-10 days month) it will go from about 12-18 mph. Above that is pretty rare. After storms in fall through spring, can get above 20 mph. It's usually side onshore (northwest), but don't kite in South wind unless it's during storm as this wind is not consistent.
Take 5 Freeway south (from Los Angeles) exit Camino De Estrella, go right, left on Camino Capistrano which dead ends at Poche; or north (from San Diego) and exit on Pico and go left towards beach. Take Pico to Pacific Coast Highway to Camino Capistrano and you have arrived at Poche (northside of Shorecliffs Beach Club). Walk under PCH in the tunnel and you are there.
No rules here. In the summer, stay away from the blackball area to the south. Otherwise you are likely to have the water to yourself. Only intermediate to advanced riders, as the launch has a power lines right behind it. So be careful on the launch.
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