DEL MAR JETTY (DMJ)
Del Mar Jetty is one of the club’s key gathering spots on base.
For new members, DMJ is more than a place to paddle out. It is a well-known Camp Pendleton break where ocean awareness, lineup respect, and local knowledge matter just as much as wave quality. The shifting sandbars can change the way the break sets up from day to day, so it is important to study the lineup before heading out.
Del Mar Jetty is one of the best-known surf zones on base and an important part of Pendleton Surf Club culture. Members gather here for surf sessions, meetups, and time in the water together. For those new to the area, it is a spot that rewards patience, awareness, and respect for changing conditions.
What new members should know before paddling out
DMJ can offer fun, punchy peaks, but it can also feel more serious than it looks from the beach. One of the biggest things new members should know is that the sandbars shift, which means the lineup, takeoff zones, and currents can change with conditions. Rip currents can also become strong here, so it is important to stay alert and pay attention to the water before paddling out.
For members who are new to the area, the best move is to spend time watching the lineup before entering, note where surfers are taking off, and identify where the inside impact zone and safest exit routes are before committing. Lifeguards are typically present, and they will often post warnings when rip currents are especially bad, so always check for posted conditions before heading into the water.
Safety first
- Check the beach and lineup before entering so you understand where people are taking off and where waves are closing out.
- The sandbars shift, so the break may not be setting up the same way it did the last time you surfed it.
- Watch for strong rip currents and pay attention to any warnings posted by lifeguards.
- Give extra room near other surfers, especially on crowded days and when the break is more powerful.
- If you are unsure, ask another member where the safest entry and exit points are before paddling out.
Etiquette, awareness, and local respect matter here
New members do not need to know everything on day one, but they should come in with humility, patience, and a willingness to learn the rhythm of the lineup.
Observe before you paddle
Spend a few minutes reading the water. See who is sitting deepest, where the cleanup sets land, and how surfers are repositioning between waves.
Respect the lineup
Do not paddle straight into the most crowded peak just because it looks best. Ease into the session, stay aware, and avoid forcing yourself into the rotation.
Know your limits
There is no shame in waiting for a smaller day, staying on the shoulder, or choosing to watch first. Good judgment is part of being a strong surfer.
Club sessions and community
DMJ is one of the club’s important gathering zones, where members connect through surf sessions, shared time in the water, and learning the break together.
Conditions can change quickly
Shifting sandbars, currents, and beach conditions can make DMJ feel different from one day to the next, so it always pays to stop, look, and study the water first.
Learn the spot, respect the lineup, and enjoy the session
For new members, Del Mar Jetty is a place to grow in confidence, connect with the club, and build ocean awareness through experience. When in doubt, watch first, ask questions, and pay attention to the conditions in front of you.