Sands Beach surf guide
Surf: A consistent, wide beach west of Isla Vista; usually has something to ride. The rocky area in front of the bluff and bike rack is known as Stu Peak because many UCSB students surf there. Best with a higher tide and peaky windswell. Gets very crowded. Some dangerous rock hazards, especially during low tide. Lots of students on the beach on sunny, warm days. Over toward the slough mouth, sandbars replace rocks, and it can get good and quite hollow. Needs peaky windswells and medium-high incoming tide here too. Low tides create rip currents and close-outs. Blows offshore with a SE storm wind.
Environment: Accessed by parking at the west end of Isla Vista and walking a mile or so west across the bluff along the bike trail.