Over the holiday season, San Diego witnessed some of the most impressive waves the region has seen in years, as a powerful swell swept across the Pacific. This marks the third consecutive year of XL swells that have brought massive waves, reaching from Hawaii to Mavericks and beyond. While it’s difficult to definitively say whether these were the biggest waves ever seen in San Diego, the evidence is undeniable—surfers and photographers alike are calling it one for the history books.
Social media exploded with highlights of the swell, as surfers and photographers shared images of epic rides and towering waves. With such a massive swell lighting up beaches along the Pacific Coast, it’s no surprise that keeping track of every significant wave was a challenge. But here’s a recap of the holiday swell from San Diego, capturing the best of what the region had to offer.
On Sunday, December 22nd, photographer Dom Stone began his day by checking out the usual spots in North County, including Swami’s and Cardiff. While the swell appeared to be gradually filling in, these locations were crowded with surfers. Stone decided to head to Blacks Beach, one of San Diego’s most notorious big wave spots, hoping to catch a glimpse of the action. Although Blacks was slow to pick up, occasional 20-foot waves emerged from the depths of the canyon, drawing in a handful of surfers armed with big-wave guns. The conditions, however, were far from ideal, with many shortboarders clogging the inside, making it difficult for the more experienced surfers to access the best waves.
As the swell persisted throughout the week, surfers from Imperial Beach to Oceanside were treated to the kind of conditions that only occur a few days each year. In North County, Swami’s, the renowned right-hand point break in Encinitas, saw an influx of surfers eager to take on the swell. The break, often referred to as “the swamp” due to its crowded conditions, is known for its easy paddle-out, which results in packed lineups. Many surfers, unprepared for the size of the waves, crowded the inside on small boards, while those more familiar with the spot took advantage of the bigger sets outside. Local pro surfer Zack Flores stood out in the crowd, expertly navigating Swami’s on his self-shaped surfboards. Whether going right or left, regular or switch-footed, Flores found his way through the chaos. Another local standout, Jacob Melendez, also caught attention with his sleek blue board, carving through the powerful waves.
While San Diego may not rival the legendary breaks of Hawaii or Mavericks, the region knows how to handle the right conditions. Blacks Beach, with its deep canyon and powerful swell, is often compared to Puerto Escondido for its explosive beach breaks. Some of the La Jolla reefs even draw comparisons to Pipeline in Hawaii, and when the conditions align, Skip McCullough is always ready to capitalize on the opportunity. As one of San Diego’s most seasoned big wave surfers, McCullough knows exactly when and where to be for the ultimate ride.
Reflecting on last year’s massive swell, McCullough commented, “It may be 10 years until we get another day like this…” Well, as luck would have it, he didn’t have to wait that long. The waves came again, proving that San Diego’s surf scene remains a force to be reckoned with, even on the biggest days.
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