Surf: A sheltered crescent of fine, white sand popular with sunbathers and tourists. The surf can get good, but the swell must be small and clean. Windswells work wonders here. Higher tides work best. Environment: Summer lifeguards along with a snack bar and a vast car park. There was a non-fatal shark attack on a bodyboarder here in August 1998. Surf: General: Stinson Beach is definitely not a core surf scene, but some fun peaks can be had along this crescent of white sand. Tides: All tides Size: Waist high-overhead Wind: NE or glassy Swell: SW, W Bottom: Sand Paddling: Minimal. Spot Rating: Mediocre. Access: Easy, take Highway 1 from 101 and follow the signs. Crowds: Crowd Factor: There are usually people surfing at Stinson, but not a problem. Local Vibe: None. Environment: Mostly clean. Hazards: There have been numerous shark sightings here, and a bodyboarder was attacked in the early '00s. Season: September-April