Natural Bridges Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

W, NW, SW

Wind

N, ENE, glassy

Surf Height

Waist high-overhead

Tide

Low

Natural Bridges Surf Guide

The first surf spot in Santa Cruz proper, Natural Bridges is a right reef/point that breaks along a gnarly rock shelf. It's a winter spot, best on bigger swells and lower tides. Natural Bridges can be mind-boggling at times, kind of like Gas Chambers in Puerto Rico on the wrong tides, but it is a little north of Steamer Lane, so it is exposed to NW winds and blows out easily.

Ability Level

Intermediate - Advanced

BegIntAdv

Intermediate-Advanced

Local Vibe

Intimidating

WelcomingIntimidating

Strong.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

When it's cranking, it's crowded.

Spot Rating

Perfect

PoorPerfect

Quite good.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

Moderate.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Mostly clean.

Hazards

Sharp reef. You could get hurt here.

Bring Your

Shortboard

Access

Parking in state park. Walk a little.

Bottom

Rock, reef

Best Season

January-December

Do you have local knowledge about Natural Bridges?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]