Surf: General: The flat-bottomed, user-friendly beachbreak at Cape Kiwanda is best when it's small and glassy, as the sandbars can produce some shapely rights and lefts. It's generally soft, except when the swell increases and the big outside right starts breaking off of the barren cape. The inner beachbreak, however, is heavily surfed. The waves are perfect for beginners and just about anybody else who doesn't crave sand-sucking pits. Tides: Medium Size: Chest-head high Wind: E Swell: S, SW, W Bottom: Sand Paddling: Not too bad. Spot Rating: Kinda fun. Access: From either direction, exit Highway 101 onto Three Capes Scenic Loop and drive to Pacific City. At the north end of town along Cape Kiwanda Drive, you'll see the wide, paved parking lot with the brewery on the left. Park anywhere in the lot. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Pacific City gets packed, especially on weekends when the surf's not giant or the south winds aren't approaching gale force. Local Vibe: San Onofre without the cobblestones. Environment: Clean. Hazards: Tsunami, moderate shark factor. Season: June-September