Surf: A crescent of hard-packed beachbreak, basically only ridden during bouts of N wind and either large winter swells or summertime S swells. Hollow and lined-up, but not much length to the wave. Fewer close-outs at high tide. Usually not much shape, but it’ll do if you’re itching to get wet during the soggy dregs of winter. A good beginner’s break. Camping nearby. Surf: General: Located one mile south of downtown Bodega Bay, Doran is a sheltered, shallow, powerful beachbreak that's usually closed out. It faces south, so NW winds howl offshore here, making it a springtime spot. Doran is popular when the surf is too big everywhere else, but forget about it if the winds are from the S. Beginners are most at home here than at any other spot in the county due to its shallowness and shelter, but Doran can dish up some pounding tubes. Tides: High Size: Chest high-overhead Wind: N, NW Swell: S, or long period W and NW Bottom: Sand Paddling: Minimal. Spot Rating: Mediocre. Access: Exit Highway 1 onto Doran Beach Road. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Unless it's north winds and peaky, hardly anybody will be in the water here. Local Vibe: Mellow. Environment: Mostly clean. Hazards: A fairly safe spot. Except for an occasional shark. Season: March-May