Overview
California Street, better known as Ventura Point or C Street, is a very long right-hand point with several take-off zones breaking over a cobblestone and sand bottom. Stables sits right on the tip and is usually more consistent and a touch bigger than the rest of the point. Fairgrounds is the outer point on swells under 8 ft (2.5 m), breaking with power and speed in front of the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Push past 8 ft and Outsides fires on an outer reef beside a deep paddling channel, holding up to 12 ft (3.6 m). Insides is mushier but long and forgiving, and can throw up big peaks with rights and the occasional left.
When It Works
This is a genuinely reliable, consistent point. It draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with northwest (NW) the best match. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft, so there's rideable surf across a wide range of sizes.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) offshore wind. The point breaks on low and mid tide, with a rising tide the better call.
Local Tips
This right-hander suits intermediate surfers and has long been a longboarder favorite, so expect a very busy lineup whenever it's on. Paddling out gets difficult once the swell pushes over 6 ft (2 m), and strong southbound currents kick in when it's big. After rain, be wary of water pollution flushing out of the Ventura River.
Access
A large car park fronts the break with paid parking (a $3 fee). You'll also find restrooms, showers, and a surf shop.
