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Fort Cronkite, also known as Rodeo Beach, is located at the end of Rodeo Canyon on the Cronkite Army Base. It's about a thousand-yard crescent of beach that offers a varied surf experience, trying hard to be a legit surf spot. The conditions can change a lot based on tide, swell, wind, and bottom shape, so even regulars can be caught off guard. Most surfing happens on the north half of the beach, which picks up swells from the South, North, and West. In summer, it's especially good for South swells, so if you’re looking to catch some waves, this might be a place to check out.
The surf can be pretty unpredictable. In general, it handles swell sizes from about 1 meter (3 ft) to 3 meters (10 ft). On good days, a small North or West swell can produce waves that are just overhead, especially with offshore winds and the right tide. You might find some challenging, barreling waves at Cronkite, but be aware that most days the waves can be less than ideal, often ranging from messy to closeouts. In winter, the beach can really pack a punch with big swells, so make sure you know what you're getting into. Just remember, it can get pretty shallow, and those strong winter days can bring in some serious driftwood and hazards.
The access to the spot is easy, making it convenient for all levels of surfers from beginners to experts. The local vibe is chill, but don't be surprised if you see a mix of local rippers and newcomers sharing the waves. The beach is mostly clean with a lot of sand, but watch out for the rock formations, especially on big days. The preferred wind directions are from the North, and the optimal tide is low, so plan accordingly if you want to catch the best waves. Surfboards of all kinds can be used here, whether you’re on a shortboard, funboard, longboard, or even a bodyboard.