Four Mile surf guide

Four Mile is a surf spot located four miles north of the Santa Cruz city limit. It’s accessible via a dirt parking lot along the highway, but be careful as it's known for having some sketchy characters around. After parking, you'll need to walk about half a mile down to the beach. On good days, you can expect to see plenty of surfers getting ready to catch some waves, especially if there's any swell in the water.

The surf here mainly consists of right point waves, breaking over a rocky ledge. It can handle swell sizes from about 4ft to 10ft (1.2m to 3m), and it works well with northwest, west, and west-southwest swells. The best conditions usually come with northeast winds and while it can break at all tides, it tends to work best on medium-low tides. This spot is generally good for intermediate surfers, and you're likely to find it fast and hollow on the inside shelf when the swell is right. You might experience a crowded lineup, especially during the winter season from November to February.

Make sure to bring a shortboard or a funboard, as these are the preferred board types for this wave type. The bottom is rocky, so be mindful of that when you’re paddling out. Just a heads up, the crowd factor can sometimes be on the high side, and there’s a local vibe that can be sometimes a bit intense. Enjoy your session, and respect the locals!