Cowells Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Cowells Surf Guide
Cowell's Beach is one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf. All the energy pulsing around Lighthouse Point mellows out by the time it gets to Cowell's, and the result is a long, gentle, easy wave that breaks for a very long time. Cowell's is one of the most crowded surf spots in Santa Cruz, but as most of the surfers are beginners, there is little animosity. Most of the people at Cowell's are there to learn and have fun and have a good time. Mixed in with all the learners and Banana Slugs and other flotsam and jetsam is a cadre of red-hot longboarders who can score major tip time from the staircase all the way to the beach.
Ability Level
Beginner - Intermediate
beginner to good longboarder
Local Vibe
Welcoming
None, all beginners.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Very, very crowded on sunny days, but it's mostly beginners.
Spot Rating
Fun
Fun.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Minimal.
Water Quality
Clean
Clean.
Hazards
Getting run over by the pack or nailed by someone's longboard.
Bring Your
Longboard
Access
Parking on West Cliff Drive and by the Dream Inn.
Bottom
Sand over reef
Best Season
Year-round
Do you have local knowledge about Cowells?
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