The history of surfing in Southern California is deeply connected to San Onofre State Beach, a cherished longboarding oasis along the Southern California coastline, famed for the waves and the community they bring together. Nestled between the legendary Trestles surf break and Camp Pendleton, this stretch of coastline is a snapshot into the past, existing largely as it was in the 70s. However, changes are coming to San O.
The iconic days of San Onofre State Beach, photo via Craig/SHACC
Changes are coming.
San Onofre's picturesque cliffs and remote beaches are a refuge for endangered species, some only found here. This coastal spot holds a rich history beyond surfing as the site of the Acjachemen Tribe's Village of Panhe. It's a place where communities have gathered for millennia, creating generations of memories and traditions. Recent years have seen water folks lining up for a chance to surf and experience the magic of San Onofre State Beach’s long, rolling waves and spend long hours relaxing at its sunny seaside parking lot.
However, you may have already noticed the changes that are happening at San O:
Higher tides are slowly erasing the land between the cliffs and the waterline. This is removing parking spaces and mangling community-built palapas, showers, and volleyball courts.
Larger swells are combining with high tides to wash ocean water into the parking lot, which results in parking lot closures and is generally shrinking the parking lot over time as it backs up into the cliffs.
Rip Rap, the rocky wall that was installed in 2017 to reinforce the entrance to the parking lot against higher tides and larger swells as an emergency measure, is generally working to keep parking lot access open but is also resulting in further erosion on the beach.
Drag the arrows to the left and right to see how the beach has changed.
Notice the lack of sand in the 2019 photo, after the rip rap wall was installed.
With an impending El Niño winter upon us, we can expect the combined effects of especially high tides and large swells to further erode the beach and shrink the parking lot, disrupt parking lot access, and damage amenities at San O.
Rather than waiting for emergencies, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The ability to forecast escalating storms and erosion presents a unique opportunity to plan ahead to save what we love most about San Onofre, but we are going to have to consider tradeoffs.
Build habitats, not walls.
The Surfrider Foundation supports restoring beaches, protecting nature with nature, not building walls to protect what we love from high tides and storm surges. This concept is not new and is how the majority of Indigenous Tribal groups have effectively managed this land.
Some examples of nature based solutions to erosion exist along the Southern California coast. They are designed to absorb storm energy without compromising the beach, while in contrast, hard armoring projects protect human made structures but make erosion worse for the the surrounding beach areas.
Nature based solutions at Cardiff State Beach in Encinitas and Surfers’ Point in Ventura, have demonstrated that by embracing nature-based solutions, we can coexist with the ocean's ebbs and flows, better ensuring the longevity of our coastline.
Looking south on Surfers' Point before and after living shoreline construction
The legacy of San Onofre lives in the waves, the cliffs, and the spirit of those who have found solace and community here. By embracing nature, fostering habitat, and acting as stewards of our coast, we can ensure that this gem remains a haven for generations of surfers, nature enthusiasts, and those who cherish the beauty of our coastal landscapes. Stand with us, and together, we'll build a future where the shoreline thrives in harmony with the ocean's rhythms.
Sign up to receive your local chapter’s emails for updates. South OC or San Diego chapter’s will be working alongside the community to re-imagine how to secure access to a healthy San Onofre State Beach.
Linked resources:
Save Trestles - https://www.surfrider.org/news/trestles-saved-forever
Riprap impacts explained - https://www.surfrider.org/victories/Save+the+Wave+at+San+Onofre
Nature Based Sollutions - https://www.surfrider.org/news/nature-based-solutions-on-our-coasts-a-frontline-defense-against-climate-change
Cardiff Living Shoreline - https://www.resilientcoastlines.com/projects/cardiff-living-shorelines-project
Surfers Point Living Shoreline - https://www.surfrider.org/news/surfers-point-managed-shoreline-retreat-phase-ii-funding-approved