Surf spot

Pianos

Forecast conditions and map view for Pianos in USA, California, San Diego County. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: USA, California, San Diego County
Coordinates: 32.7069, -117.2558

Metric
Metric	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00
Wave height (m)	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.9	1	1	1	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.3	1.2	1.2	1.1	1	0.9	1	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6
Wave direction	SW	SW	SW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	WSW	SW	S	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	S	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	SW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	S	S
Wave period (s)	13.2	12.1	11.7	10.6	11.8	12.4	11.9	11.8	11.8	11.2	11.2	9.6	6.8	6.8	9	4.7	4.9	5.2	5.5	5.5	5.8	6	6.1	6	6.3	5.8	5.8	6.2	6.3	6	5.8	5.8	5	5.8	5.9	6	6	5.8	5.8	6.4	6.3	6.3	8.3	13.8	13.4	13.2	13	12.7	12.2	13.3	13.2	13.1	12.5	11.6	8.6	8.6
Wave energy (kJ)	151	127	119	86	161	207	164	135	177	109	122	89	48	49	75	37	46	55	63	80	95	104	111	104	98	83	87	126	120	95	86	74	36	63	62	63	62	53	47	42	34	32	49	127	129	125	130	132	130	119	117	115	98	84	50	50
Wind speed (km/h)	14.2	14.8	16.2	21.3	20	15.6	10.5	11.2	8.8	6.7	6.4	12.2	15	13.1	10.4	9	5.4	7.3	8.7	16.6	15.5	13.8	9.8	10.1	9.2	11.4	11.1	15.1	17.6	13.5	8.9	8.4	8.5	6.2	7.9	12.2	14.5	11.4	9.3	6.4	4.7	3.4	3.7	10.2	15.9	12.9	10.2	8.3	6.6	6.4	5.4	10.5	16.4	15	12.4	8
Wind direction	SCross	SCross	SCross	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SCross	SCross	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	WSWOnshore	WOnshore	WNWOnshore	WOnshore	SWCross-on	WSWCross-on	SCross	SSWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross	SSWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	SCross	SWCross-on	SCross	SSWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	WSWOnshore	WSWOnshore	SWCross-on	WSWGlassy	WSWGlassy	WGlassy	WSWOnshore	WOnshore	WNWOnshore	WNWOnshore	NWCross-on	WNWOnshore	WNWOnshore	WNWOnshore	WOnshore	WOnshore	WNWOnshore	WNWOnshore	WNWOnshore

Pianos is a surf spot in San Diego County, California, known as a reef break with a fast, powerful wave that works best on the right swell and tide combination. It’s generally considered a more advanced wave because it can be steep, punchy, and unforgiving over shallow reef.

What to expect

Wave type: Reef break
Best conditions: Usually needs a solid swell, favorable tide, and light/offshore winds
Wave character: Quick takeoffs, steep faces, and sections that can barrel or run fast
Crowd: Often surfed by locals; can be competitive when it’s on
Skill level: Best for intermediate to advanced surfers

Hazards

Shallow reef
Strong currents
Crowds / localism
Potentially powerful surf when conditions line up

Overall vibe

Pianos is the kind of spot that can be excellent when it’s firing, but it’s not a casual beginner wave. If you know the area and can handle a heavier reef break, it can deliver memorable sessions.