Surf: A world-famous clutch of kelp-covered reefs and pointbreaks tucked into the lee of sandstone bluffs on the “West Side” of Santa Cruz. The collection of high-quality peaks allows waves to break in any swell and at any size, while being sheltered from the prevailing NW winds. Steamer Lane is a contender for the most consistently crowded line-up in the country. There are four distinct spots. The farthest out is The Point, which peaks up at the end of Seal Rock off the tip of Lighthouse Point. Will accept any swell, but it’s best on a S on a medium-low tide. Hollow and thick rights when it’s on, with lots of backwash at high tide. Tight and hyper competitive take-off zone. Environment: On a great day and a great swell, local heroes have been known to rip a few single mythical waves from the Point, through Middles, through Indicators, through Cowells to the shorebreak at Santa Cruz Municipal Pier. On those days you’ll see stoked surfers, dripping wet, boards under their arms, jogging back up West Cliff Drive towards the Lane. It’s the consistency and sheltered aspect that makes Steamer Lane an extremely crowded proposition with all kinds of wavecraft and talent levels. Wildlife is abundant, and you might find yourself paddling out through the kelp beside a sea otter or seal. There’s parking all along the point and out at the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, which doubles as the Lighthouse Surf Museum.