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Surfer skillfully riding a wave near a large pier, capturing the thrill of the ocean.
📷 Stephen Leonardi · Pexels

Spyder

3.9 — based on 16 community signals
4.4 12 species 44 contributors

Spyder is a year-round surf destination in Manhattan Beach, California, offering consistent waves and accessible beachfront breaks.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entryFamily-friendly

At a glance

Activity
surf
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Bottlenose dolphin

Map

This spot POIs Airport Nearby spots
Spyder location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
8.8 kn
Wave
0.66 m
Water
23.6°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WSW (37%)
Now: W (274°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.6m

Next: High at 07:00 (+0.5m)

+1.1 m0 m-0.6 m
▲ 07:00 · +0.5m ▲ 16:00 · +0.85m ▼ 00:00 · -0.31m ▲ 07:00 · +0.58m Now -0.2m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV7.05 · high Air PM2.515 · moderate 06:39 18:55
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 9.1 0.72 7 0mm
09-19 8.8 0.84 7 0mm
09-20 9.5 0.82 7 0mm
09-21 8.3 0.74 7 0mm
09-22 9.4 0.8 7 0mm
09-23 9.2 0.78 7 0mm
09-24 9.2 0.62 7 0mm

About this spot

Spyder sits in Manhattan Beach, a beachfront community in Los Angeles County, California. The spot works year-round, making it a reliable choice for surfers planning trips to Southern California. Access is straightforward—the break sits in a developed beach town with standard visitor infrastructure. The area supports a local surf community with documented species observations and video content from the break. While specifics on wave direction, bottom type, and swell patterns aren't detailed here, the year-round designation suggests variable but rideable conditions across seasons. Surfers looking for a consistent SoCal option will find Spyder convenient to Los Angeles metro. The break is not within a marine protected area, so standard California beach access rules apply. Nearby amenities and services typical of Manhattan Beach—restaurants, parking, shops—make planning trips straightforward. Check current conditions and local forecasts before heading out, as Southern California breaks respond to distant swells and local wind.

📖 Guide: Diving in the United States: 87 Sites From Springs to Open Ocean

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Bottlenose dolphin

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B · 120V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 8766km · ~2016kg · €36

FAQ

What months are best for surfing Spyder?

Spyder works year-round, so timing depends on your schedule rather than seasonal closures. Check swell forecasts for your travel dates.

What's the difficulty level and wave type at Spyder?

Specific difficulty ratings and wave characteristics for Spyder aren't documented here. Scout the break in person or check local forecast sites for current conditions.

What marine life might I see?

The area has documented species observations. Expect typical Southern California coastal marine life. Always respect wildlife and follow local regulations.

How do I access Spyder and are permits required?

Spyder is in Manhattan Beach, a public beachfront city in Los Angeles County. No special permits are required for beach access. Park in public lots and follow posted rules.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

252 records · 36 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale
Mammalia · Balaenopteridae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 Nov 2025
×2records

Kelletia kelletii

Kellet's Whelk
Gastropoda · Austrosiphonidae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Nov 2023
×25records
Depth:
3–26 m

Mesocentrotus franciscanus

Red Urchin adult
Echinoidea · Strongylocentrotidae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Nov 2023
×25records
Depth:
5–24 m

Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

Purple Urchin adult
Echinoidea · Strongylocentrotidae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Nov 2023
×20records
Depth:
5–17 m

Megastraea undosa

Wavy Turban Snail
Gastropoda · Turbinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Nov 2023
×15records
Depth:
4–14 m

Megathura crenulata

Giant Key-Hole Limpet
Gastropoda · Fissurellidae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Nov 2023
×14records
Depth:
4–16 m

Apostichopus parvimensis

Warty Sea Cucumber
Holothuroidea · Stichopodidae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Nov 2023
×13records
Depth:
9–23 m

Centrostephanus coronatus

Coronado Urchin, Crowned Urchin
Echinoidea · Diadematidae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Nov 2023
×11records
Depth:
4–15 m

Tethya californiana

Orange Puff-Ball Sponge
Demospongiae · Tethyidae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Nov 2023
×11records
Depth:
4–26 m

Patiria miniata

Bat Star
Asteroidea · Asterinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Nov 2023
×11records
Depth:
5–24 m

Panulirus interruptus

Spiny Lobster
Malacostraca · Palinuridae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Nov 2023
×8records
Depth:
3–14 m

Flabellinopsis iodinea

Nudibranch
Gastropoda · Flabellinopsidae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Nov 2023
×7records
Depth:
5–22 m

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

SPYDER WRIGHT

East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame

Surfcast 7.2.14 Legendary Surfer Spyder Wright on Hurricane Arthur

Tim Kelley

STOKED! EPISODE 1 STARRING RORY RUSSELL

ERIC MINH SWENSON ART FILMS
wind peaks May-Jun-Aug, calmest Nov-Jan-Dec, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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