Deadmans, located in Humboldt County, is a boulder reef/peak in Shelter Cove. The access involves a long, steeply twisting mountain road, which can be a bit of a journey. This spot is known to be the most popular in the Cove, drawing surfers looking for a unique experience. During the sessions, you'll likely find it gets semi-crowded, especially when the surf is good.
The surf at Deadmans works best during an incoming tide, and it can blow offshore with a North wind. This is when the South swells really come in, forming lined-up walls that can take you all the way to the black sand. The spot handles swell sizes starting from 1 ft (about 0.3 meters) and can accommodate various swell directions including south and north. The waves break over an uneven reef, offering both left and right hand waves. This spot is more suited for intermediate surfers, so it's a great place to test your skills a bit.
To get there, park at the boat ramp and then take a walk down the beach to reach the knoll. Just keep in mind that it's wise to be aware of the local scene, as some locals may not be the friendliest. Good luck out there!