Natural Bridges
Santa Cruz Surf Spots
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.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W, NW, SW
Wind
N, ENE, glassy
Surf Height
Waist high-overhead
Tide
Low