Surf: Used to be a reliable stretch of beachbreak at the south end and on the reef at the north end, which was always the better area. But nowadays, the south end is the best spot, with semi-hollow, shifty sandbar peaks. Directly in front of the jetties, at the lagoon mouth, is a hollow, shallow righthand sandbar. Lots of currents, but it can be a fun spot; popular with young shortboarders. There has recently been a perfect left breaking off the north jetty during S swells. Directions: Located alongside Old Highway 101 between the southernmost end of the Carlsbad campground and Leucadia. Park on the ocean side of the road. Environment: What was once a high-quality reefbreak at the north end has been ruined with the installation of two small jetties in the middle of the beach. The reefbreak is now beachbreak. Located alongside Old Highway 101 between the southernmost end of the Carlsbad campground and Leucadia. Park on the ocean side of the road. Surf: General: For years, this stretch of sand in South Carlsbad was indecipherable from the miles of other average beachbreak in the area. But, as some spots fade into obscurity over the years, others rise to center stage. Ponto is one case where the Army Corps of Engineers have done some good for the area's surfers, when they decided that the Batiquitos Lagoon needed to be opened up on a permanent basis. They constructed two large jetties that, since then, have proven to be a virtual sandbar factory. Newly formed banks don't stay secret for long. Ponto breaks year-round, with rights funneling off the south jetty during the winter and lefts reeling off the north jetty during the summer. Since the lagoon is constantly flowing, watch for a nasty rip that'll suck you out to sea. Tides: low to medium Size: shoulder-high to 3 feet overhead Wind: none or E to NE Swell: W, NW, SW Bottom: Sand, jetty Paddling: Pretty average most days. Spot Rating: Punchy little beachbreak most days, can get exceptional on a good combo or tropical swell. Access: Easy. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Average to heavy. Local Vibe: Thankful and competitive. Environment: Not great, toxic after a big rain. Hazards: The rip on the dropping tide. Season: January-December