Surf: A long, slow, mushy sand-bottomed point wave inside of Indicators, suitable for longboarding and beginners. Takes any bigger swell and works on all tides, frequently splitting into subsections that accommodate generous numbers of surfers. The best wave is usually closest to the cliff. Environment: Getting hit by another longboard is probably you’re biggest worry here. There are a couple sets of stairs making access to the waves easy for everyone. Restroom facilities. Surf: General: Cowell's Beach is one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf. All the energy pulsing around Lighthouse Point mellows out by the time it gets to Cowell's, and the result is a long, gentle, easy wave that breaks for a very long time. Cowell's is one of the most crowded surf spots in Santa Cruz, but as most of the surfers are beginners, there is little animosity. Most of the people at Cowell's are there to learn and have fun and have a good time. Mixed in with all the learners and Banana Slugs and other flotsam and jetsam is a cadre of red-hot longboarders who can score major tip time from the staircase all the way to the beach. Tides: low to incoming Size: flat to 3 feet Wind: E, NW Swell: W, NW, S Bottom: Sand over reef Paddling: Minimal. Spot Rating: Fun. Access: Parking on West Cliff Drive and by the Dream Inn. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Very, very crowded on sunny days, but it's mostly beginners. Local Vibe: None, all beginners. Environment: Clean. Hazards: Getting run over by the pack or nailed by someone's longboard. Season: Year-round