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

BegIntAdv

beginner to good longboarder

Local Vibe

Welcoming

WelcomingIntimidating

None, all beginners.

Crowd Factor

Heavy

MellowHeavy

Very, very crowded on sunny days, but it's mostly beginners.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Fun.

Shoulder Burn

Light

LightExhausting

Minimal.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Clean.

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

W, NW, S

Wind

E, NW

Surf Height

flat to 3 feet

Tide

low to incoming