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Santa Cruz Harbor is located in Santa Cruz, California, and it’s a well-known spot for surfers looking for a challenge. This location features a sandbar that can produce some serious waves, especially during the winter months. Due to its unique setup, this spot attracts advanced surfers who are looking for that perfect ride off the west jetty and across the entrance of the municipal harbor. Keep in mind, though, that the surf here can be pretty tricky.
The waves tend to break over sand and are best suited for experts. The optimal swell direction is Northwest, but you can also catch rides with swells coming from the South and Northwest. It generally handles swell sizes of around 3 feet (about 0.9 meters), but during bigger swells, you'll find the waves pushing right across the entrance and past the south jetty. The best time to hit the water is during low tide, and you’ll want to look for wind coming from the Northeast for the best conditions.
It’s worth mentioning that broken boards and injuries are common here, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. Plus, surfing in this area is technically illegal, so always proceed with caution. The Army Corps of Engineers has altered the area to create these waves, but they have to regularly dredge to maintain it. Just keep in mind this spot is all about that expert level surfing.