Mitchell's Cove
Santa Cruz Surf Spots
Surf Guide
Mitchell's Cove is a right point that loves a low tide and a winter swell in the overhead to double-overhead range. When Mitchell's is firing, it is one of the better right points on the California coast. This place is fickle and finicky, but it can blow your mind on the right day.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
BegIntAdv
Intermediate-Advanced
Local Vibe
Doable
WelcomingIntimidating
Certainly.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
MellowHeavy
When it's good, it's packed.
Spot Rating
Perfect
PoorPerfect
Quite good.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
LightExhausting
Moderate.
Water Quality
Fair
CleanDirty
Fair. There's a huge sewage outfall just offshore of Mitchell's Cove.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W, NW, SW
Wind
E, N, and some NW
Surf Height
Waist high-2X overhead
Tide
Low incoming