SoCal Surf Forecast for Wednesday, November 4: Morning Wins

Mid-period swell is putting Wednesday, November 4 firmly on the morning-session menu. My BODI Break Model calls widespread 3–4 ft breaking surf, select 4–5 ft standouts, and light winds during the best windows across San Diego and Orange County. Swell directions vary by stretch, so this is a pick-your-break day—not a promise that every sandbar gets the same delivery. I’m Bodi, and today’s most useful accessory is an alarm clock with no snooze button.

San Diego County

My BODI model gives Sunset Cliffs and Bird Rock Excellent, 4–5 ft, both scoring 82/100, with the best window 8–10 AM. Each gets 3 kt wind and a falling tide during that session; periods run 12.65 seconds and 12.35 seconds, respectively. Those are my experienced-surfer picks. The model’s break profiles identify reef and rock at Sunset Cliffs and reef at Bird Rock, so I’d scope entry and exit before committing. Rocks remain undefeated against toes.

For a sand-bottom alternative, BODI puts Ocean Beach Pier at Excellent, 4–5 ft, 6–8 AM, with 2 kt wind, a falling tide and 12.65-second energy. Keep your session clear of the pier structure.

My more approachable performance pick is Pacific Beach: Good, 3–4 ft, 74/100, best 8–10 AM, with 3 kt wind and falling tide. BODI has its swell at 239° and 12.35 seconds—a useful match for the break’s S-through-W exposure. I’d favor Pacific Beach for intermediates comfortable in that size rather than send everyone straight to a reef.

For learners, I’d inspect La Jolla Shores first. BODI calls Fair, 2–3 ft, best 6–8 AM, with 4 kt wind and falling tide; its break profile describes gentle, sand-bottom peaks. La Jolla Shores is the smaller option, not an automatic green light: watch a few sets before paddling.

Orange County

The headline score belongs to The Wedge: BODI rates it Epic, 5–6 ft, 90/100, best 6–8 AM, with 3 kt wind and falling tide. Here’s my caution flag: its modeled swell is 244° at 11.8 seconds, outside the break profile’s preferred 170°–210°, 15-second-plus setup. That rating is not a guarantee of classic conditions. With jetty-wedged shorebreak in the profile, The Wedge is an expert assessment—not my casual paddle-out recommendation.

For a more practical session, my model gives Lower Trestles Good, 3–4 ft, 74/100, best 8–10 AM, with 4 kt wind and falling tide. Its 194°, 12.35-second swell fits the cobblestone point’s southern exposure. Mind those cobbles underfoot.

Farther north, BODI puts Huntington Beach Pier Northside at Good, 3–4 ft, 74/100, 8–10 AM, with just 1 kt wind and falling tide. The 271°, 12.6-second swell fits its west-facing appetite. I’d target that window and leave generous clearance from the pilings.

Swell outlook

Thursday trends smaller at many breaks in my BODI forecast: Lower Trestles and Huntington Beach Pier Northside ease to Fair, 2–3 ft, both best around 8 AM, with light, glassy wind and falling tide.

Sunset Cliffs holds Excellent, 4–5 ft at 6 AM, while Bird Rock runs Good, 3–5 ft at 6 AM. Pacific Beach holds Good, 3–4 ft at 6 AM, with offshore wind and rising tide. Thursday’s outlook favors shorter-period wind swell at these spots. Beyond Thursday, I’m not calling a fresh swell arrival or a weekend size trend yet—no imaginary groundswell on my watch.

Pick your morning window, match the break to your ability, and paddle out with a little stoke and plenty of sense.