Surf Forecast Santa Cruz
Predictions
Other stuff
Santa Cruz surfspot characteristics
More about Santa Cruz surfspot
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.
A good spot for all abilities, best for experienced surfers as size picks up.
As a popular summer resort there are four car parks spaced out along the clifftop overlooking the beach.
Works year round but best in clean swells September to November.
Crowd Factor: Peaks close to town can get busy, a short walk can yield quiet peaks. Local Vibe: OK, best peaks can be competitive.
OK, can be polluted after rain.
Heavy and rippy when big.