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Santa Cruz

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Ideal surf conditions at Santa Cruz

Swell window
SW, WSW, W, WNW
Swell size
5ft - 12ft
Swell breaks over
Sand, Rock
Wave types
Beach
Wave directions
Right, Left
Wind window
NE, ENE, E, ESE
Best tides at
Low, Low to Mid, Mid, Mid to High
Skill Level
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Seasons
Autumn
Board types
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard

Santa Cruz surf guide

Surf: General: It may not be home to the fabled Steamer Lane, but it is home to a renowned beachbreak - a long stretch of sand that produces some thumping barrels and reeling peaks that can rival Europe's best on its day. Home to a series of sandbanks and sand covered reefs - it even has a sand covered shipwreck from a boat that sank just after WW2. A good place to escape the crowds. Susceptible to wind so best on an offshore day. Tides: All tides Size: Waist high to double overhead. Wind: SE, E Swell: NW to SW Bottom: Sand with some reef. Paddling: Powerful swells come out of deep water meaning a lot of duck dives, combined with plenty of currents moving around and some arm draining rips. Spot Rating: High quality beachbreak with numerous peaks; long, powerful lefts and rights for top to bottom surfing and occasional barrel sections. Access: As a popular summer resort there are four car parks spaced out along the clifftop overlooking the beach. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Peaks close to town can get busy, a short walk can yield quiet peaks. Local Vibe: OK, best peaks can be competitive. Environment: OK, can be polluted after rain. Hazards: Heavy and rippy when big. Season: Works year round but best in clean swells September to November.

Written by Joris de Ruiter

Joris is a dad, husband, surfer, software developer, yogi and swimmer. He combines his passion for surfing and technology to help others catch more and better waves.

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