Point Arena, located off Port Road at the south end of the Point Arena township, is a surf spot that draws attention for its unique waves. It's not the most well-known place, but it definitely has its moments, especially for more experienced surfers. The area is fairly remote, so you can find some solitude, but be prepared for some local surfers who aren't too friendly towards newcomers. The spot is best enjoyed in the autumn months when conditions are typically better.
When the swell is solid, Point Arena offers a steep, bowly takeoff with a powerful right-hander that can really barrel once you're in it. This right works best with a swell size of around 6 feet (1.8 meters) to 20 feet (6 meters) and needs a clean, incoming tide to really get going. The left side, located south of the pier, can also deliver some fun rides, particularly when it’s overhead and clean. It holds up pretty well in solid south swells too, and the wind from the northeast is favorable. However, be cautious of the rocky bottom, because there are some nasty dry rocks lurking close to shore, which can make things tricky if you're not careful.
Getting to the spot is fairly straightforward from Highway 1; just head west onto Port Road. The paddle-out isn’t too bad, but expect to navigate a keyhole in the rocky ledges. Keep in mind that the crowd factor can be intense here, with locals who may not appreciate outsiders. And just a heads-up—while shark sightings have happened in the area, there haven't been any attacks, but it's still something to think about while you're out on the water. Overall, this spot can be a solid choice for expert surfers looking for fun rides during the right conditions.