Indicator surf guide

Indicator is a surf spot located off the south tip of Bluff Cove, known for its trio of thick, rocky reef waves. This spot is fairly popular among local surfers, but it offers challenging conditions and can be hazardous. It typically starts to break as small as 3ft (about 0.9m) and is best surfed with medium tide, especially during winter when the big northwest swells pump in. The access isn't the easiest, with a sheer path off Paseo del Mar leading down to the water, so be prepared for a bit of a trek.

The waves here can be pretty intense. You’ll find a mix of lefts and rights, with the spot serving up a hollow, shifty reef wave called Lowers, which is the innermost section. Middles is the meaty left just outside of that, which can handle some decent size—up to a few feet overhead is where it shines. The outermost part, known as Uppers, is reserved for experienced surfers only; it's an unpredictable big-wave left that can get hollow and mushy at the same time. The ideal swell direction comes from the west, with southwest and northwest working too. If you're hitting it on a southeast wind, you'll have better luck, and the waves can handle both low and mid tide.

It's important to note that the waves here are localized, so keep an eye on other surfers and be respectful of the lineup. The surf can get too bumpy at extreme high tide and too shallow and rocky at extreme low tide, so timing is key. Overall, this spot is best suited for expert surfers who can handle powerful and sometimes dangerous conditions.