Surf: A heavy righthand reef with a shallow bowl section over the inside rock ledge called “The Sidewalk.” Dangerous. Not for beginners. Needs a low to medium tide with a clean NW swell and can handle up to a few feet overhead. A high-intensity spot. Environment: Follow the cycle route off Hwy 1 to the coast and park at Natural Bridges State Beach. From there you can see the break at the north end of the beach. There are showers and camping nearby. Surf: General: The first surf spot in Santa Cruz proper, Natural Bridges is a right reef/point that breaks along a gnarly rock shelf. It's a winter spot, best on bigger swells and lower tides. Natural Bridges can be mind-boggling at times, kind of like Gas Chambers in Puerto Rico on the wrong tides, but it is a little north of Steamer Lane, so it is exposed to NW winds and blows out easily. Tides: Low Size: Waist high-overhead Wind: N, ENE, glassy Swell: W, NW, SW Bottom: Rock, reef Paddling: Moderate. Spot Rating: Quite good. Access: Parking in state park. Walk a little. Crowds: Crowd Factor: When it's cranking, it's crowded. Local Vibe: Strong. Environment: Mostly clean. Hazards: Sharp reef. You could get hurt here. Season: January-December