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Cottons Point is a left-hand wave located at the north end of the Trestles beaches. It's known for its long, often fat lefts that break further out compared to other spots in the area. The wave works best with larger southerly swells and can get pretty good with the right conditions. Access to Cottons is by walking north from Trestles or south from San Clemente State Park, which makes it a convenient spot when you're looking to escape the crowds at Uppers and Lowers.
The surf at Cottons can vary a lot. On a solid south swell, the waves can range from shoulder high (about 1.5 meters) to double overhead (around 3 meters). With the right low tide, you can score some high-performance rides with a crackable lip and even some barrel sections. While most days you'll find wobbly and sectiony waves perfect for cutbacks, it can transform into a quality setup under optimal conditions. The bottom consists of sand and cobblestone, and a north-east wind is preferred. It's suitable for intermediate and expert surfers, and you can ride shortboards, fish, funboards, and longboards here.
The best time to surf Cottons Point is from March to October, but it has potential year-round. Just keep in mind that this spot tends to get crowded, especially on weekends, thanks to the local longboarders who are always hungry for waves. So, if you’re heading out, be ready to share the space and keep an eye out for other surfers.