The Rock - Costa Azul surf guide
Surf: The 3 sections of Costa Azul are the main surf focus on the S shore. The Rock is always crowded and offers a more challenging ride, especially as the tide drops out and the urchins get closer.
Environment: Unless you are experienced and can handle a tight take-off zone, head back to Old Mans for some mellow walls.
Surf: General: The entire lineup from beginning to end is strewn with rocks, big ones. At low tide, especially, you will be dodging boils, burps and weird, sharp sections that love eating fiberglass. The wave itself is extremely fun, though not as good as neighboring Zippers. It is a right reef break that can be infected with a few difficult sections to negotiate, and it is also often a little mushy in certain parts. That said, on a strong S swell and a mid-high tide, you won't find anyone complaining out there (imagine a poor man's version of Upper Trestles and you're almost there). The proper takeoff area is pretty small -- right next to the rock -- so crowds become a factor pretty quick, making catching a decent wave infinitely more difficult.
Tides: Mid-high.
Size: Head high to double overhead
Wind: W-NW
Swell: S, SW
Bottom: Rock, reef.
Paddling: Light
Spot Rating: Really fun and holds size.
Access: Park at Zippers and walk there, or park near Cabo Surf Hotel and walk there.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Regularly heavy.
Local Vibe: Not as intense as Zippers, but still competitive.
Environment: Clean
Hazards: Shallow and exposed sharp rocks.
Season: April-October