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Natural Bridges State Beach is located in Santa Cruz and is known for its right reef and point break that forms over a rugged rock shelf. This spot is the first surf location you hit in Santa Cruz proper and generally works best in the winter. It usually fires on bigger swells and lower tides, making it a solid winter surf destination.
The surf here can be pretty intense, especially during a clean NW swell. It handles wave sizes from about 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters), but it’s best suited for expert surfers due to the sharp reef and potential hazards involved. The right-handed waves can be heavy and tricky, especially near “The Sidewalk,” the shallow bowl section. Layout is important; you’ll want to catch it on a low to mid tide with N and ENE winds for the best setup. Just be ready for some crowds if conditions are pumping!
Access is straightforward with parking at the state park, but you will have to walk a bit to reach the surf. The local vibe can be strong, and it’s common to see a lot of experienced surfers out here, which is something to keep in mind if you're planning to take on this spot. Overall, Natural Bridges offers a solid experience for those looking to tackle a challenging surf environment.