Cowells in Santa Cruz, California
The point has a mellowing effect on the waves that make it to Cowells Beach, which results in gentle, welcoming rollers perfect for beginners or a laid-back longboarding session. Certaintly crowded with surfers, swimmers, sailboats and everything in between on a sunny, summer's day. Begin right next to the Boardwalk makes it a popular family tourist spot. The beach itself is named after Henry Cowell, who owned a lime works company along with a good deal of land along the Santa Cruz coastline.
Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges on a clean west swell, breaks over the reef like a bat out of hell... (Paddle Out, Sublime). Not only is it a lyric in a great song, Natural Bridges is also a pretty great surf spot with some amazing natural rock formations. Natural Bridges State Beach gets its name from the 3 original million-plus year-old natural arches were formed from an equally long period of erosion from the ocean's waves. The first arch collapsed in the early 1900s and the second collapsed during a big winter swell in 1980. Park visitors were once permitted to climb and walk on top of the bridges, but are now closed to access for obvious reasons. There's something special about those spots that are able to display the history, scale, and power of all the natural forces that make up this special planet we call home.
Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz, California.
Pleasure Point and the surrounding breaks is another place that hold a special place in my heart. This was the destination of many of my weekend surf excursions after getting a driver's license. Maybe not to the liking of Santa Cruz locals, but I think back fondly of those independent teenage surf trips. Surf-wise there are plenty of quality setups for all types of surfing.
Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, California.
Steamer Lane is a quintessential classic that picks up all sorts of swells and produces great waves all year long. When it's really big and good, the bluffs serve as stadium-like seating for watching surfers below. The lighthouse at the end of the cliff is home to Santa Cruz's Surfing History Museum.
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Santa Cruz, California
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The Hook in Santa Cruz, California
There's something about surf spots with slippery staircases that make the session feel earned. It's a great spot to surf tucked into the cliffs right down the road from Pleasure Point. On the right swell, The Hook is a quality right. On the wrong tide, navigating the entry/exit can be a little tricky.
