Jelly Bowl is a surf spot located in Ventura and Santa Barbara, California. The spot provides right waves. It’s a secluded reef break situated west of the Venoco pier in Carpinteria. Jelly Bowl is known for its fun and mellow surfing experience, particularly during solid west or northwest swells. The wave length typically ranges from 50 to 150 meters, with potential for longer rides on good days. Ideal conditions include north to northeast winds, northwest to west swells, and mid to high tides. Access to Jelly Bowl involves a 15 to 30-minute walk south from Carpinteria State Beach or via bluff trails leading to stairs in front of the spot. Surfers should be aware of potential hazards such as rips, undertow, and rocks in or near the take-off zone. The spot’s characteristics can vary depending on swell direction and tide. Jelly Bowl is generally less crowded, especially on weekdays, but respect for locals and adherence to surf etiquette is crucial. The area is known for tar balls on the beach due to natural oil seepage. Check your skills before paddling out to ensure the spot and conditions match your surfing level. Jelly Bowl can accommodate various experience levels, but it’s important to assess the conditions and your abilities before entering the water. When checking the surf forecast or report, consider factors like swell direction, wind, and tide to determine the best time to visit. While there may not be a surf cam directly at Jelly Bowl, nearby spots like Rincon can serve as indicators for conditions. Remember to respect the environment and other surfers while enjoying this regional classic surf spot. Check out the good surf at Jelly Bowl in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Jelly Bowl, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.
Near spots
There are 63 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Jelly Bowl. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.
See all 63 surf spots