A NE swell tends to be the best as the waves tend to be rights. NW swells are second best. On big NE day, head down to the east end of the beach and paddle out with the protection of the pier that will save you from waves crashing on your head and hop right into the lineup. On a NW day, you simply have to duckdive/turtle roll you're way out there. Very gradual beach break, good for Clevelanders learning to surf. Off the the west side of the beach is "The Cleveland Pipeline." The Cleveland Pipeline refers to a giant, old school sewer/storm drain that floods into Lake Erie with lots of rain. If the Cleveland Pipeline is firing, stay outta the water.