Fort Canby- "A" jetty

Fort Canby “A” Jetty is a classic Northwest Washington beachbreak/jettied reef-style surf spot near the mouth of the Columbia River, on the Pacific side of the Long Beach Peninsula. It’s known for getting solid winter swell and for being one of the more dependable surf zones in the region when conditions line up.

What it’s like

• Wave type: Mostly a sand-bottom beachbreak influenced by the jetty, so the sandbars and currents shape the peaks.
• Best at: Mid to large southwest/west swell with offshore to light east/northeast winds.
• Season: Best surf is usually late fall through early spring, when Pacific storms bring size and power.
• Character: Can produce fast, punchy, hollow sections on the right sandbar, but it can also be messy and inconsistent if the tide or wind is wrong.

Conditions and tides

• Tides matter a lot here.
• The spot often works best on a mid to incoming tide, though the ideal tide depends on sand movement and swell angle.
• Too low can make it shallow, bumpy, and closeout-prone.
• Too high may reduce shape and power.

Hazards

• Strong currents and rips are common because of the jetty and river mouth influence.
• The area can have cold water, drifting sandbars, and heavy storm surf.
• Watch for logs, debris, and occasional coastal hazards, especially after storms.
• This is a spot where local knowledge and caution really help.

Crowd and vibe

• Usually a local/fairly serious surf zone, especially when the waves are good.
• Because it’s in Washington and needs specific conditions, it’s often less crowded than big-name breaks, but it can still get busy on a good winter swell.

Skill level

• Intermediate to advanced when it’s working well, mainly because of the power, cold water, currents, and changing sandbars.
• Beginners should be cautious unless conditions are small and manageable.

Nearby context

• The Fort Canby area is part of the Cape Disappointment / Ilwaco / Long Beach surf corridor, where several jetty and beachbreak setups can light up depending on swell direction and