Santa Cruz

What makes Santa Cruz a special destination for surfers?

The variety of surf we have. Anywhere from world-class beginner breaks at Capitola and Pleasure Point, or Cowell’s — those are world-class spots to learn how to surf. And then all the way up to within an hour’s drive, you’ve got world-class big waves. So, the most advanced stuff you can get, and everything in between. Variety is key to Santa Cruz.

What kind of waves can visiting surfers expect?

Generally, we have a lot of right-hand pointbreaks. There’s not as many lefts in this part of the world, so it’s probably not as great for goofyfooters unless you want to work on your backhand. Steamer Lane is a perfect example of the variety because the very inside of Steamer Lane is Cowell’s, which is the right next to the base of the pier, and then that point goes all the way out to some of the biggest waves in Santa Cruz at Steamer Lane. We’ve also got some really hollow beach breaks, slabbing reefs, and long right-hand pointbreaks. The protection of where we’re located, too, is a big key to our success. We’re in a little bubble of weather because we’re on the north end of a bay, we’re protected from the outside winds.

What’s the vibe?

There is a hierarchy, which has been established through legendary surfers, teaching generation to generation to respect your elders and all that stuff. So, that’s something that’s kind of instilled in surfing globally, but it is held here in high regard, so we follow those rules. But overall, the vibe is good, especially the tolerance of new people, if you’re surfing in the regions that are kind of designated that way. Capitola is a prime example of a very beautiful surfing community that has an established local group that’s there, but they also embrace the newcomer.

What should surfers bring?

I’d say any board can be used that creates smiles. There’s just so much variety in waves, that you can get away with anything. There are places you can go down to use a foil and get away from a crowd, to a longboard, to a softboard, to a skimboard…any kind of board you normally ride, you can ride here. Then you’re in a hooded 4/3 with booties most the year; a 5/4/3 in winter.

When is the best time to score?

Fall. The weather’s good, water’s warmer, and we start to see those first Northwest swells and they come from a little more westerly direction. So yeah, September through December is the best.

What else is there to do when you’re not surfing?

We’re a tourist destination, so there’s plenty of nightlife, music, pubs, bars, breweries. We’re a college town, too, so it’s pretty hyped up, but we’re always within ocean distance, and you can go into complete solitude and do a walk through the redwoods within ten minutes. There’s world-class mountain biking, there’s world-class golf. There’s pathways for walking along West Cliff and East Cliff. Biking across town is easy. There’s the boardwalk and you could ride a rollercoaster. There’s lots to do.

What’s your favorite local food?

Cafe Cruz is my favorite.

Where would someone go to learn how to surf?

Capitola on the East Side and then on the West Side there’s Cowell’s. Both are in areas that are very, very tolerant to people trying to learn how to surf.

What should visitors know about the local culture?

I think one thing that pops up is sharks and wildlife. But there’s areas that you can surf in Santa Cruz that are protected by kelp and shallower water that isn’t going to have that vibe. There’s such a stark contrast because you can go up the coast and you’re surfing by yourself and you’re sitting in the elements… If you’re freaked out by sharks you can hang out in areas that aren’t going to be unsafe, and then if you’re into an adventure, that’s here, too.