It really doesn’t get any better than California. After yesterday’s mid-winter pow session I found myself scoping glassy surf in Santa Cruz this Friday morning hoping the rumors of a fun little south swell were on point. They were, proving once again that California, and specifically the Tahoe area is just unbeatable. Powder in June with a few hour drive to world class surfing. What’s better than that?
It wasn’t really big at all, but the cleanliness on sets was for surely worth a few hours in the water- especially when you’re rolling in from Tahoe living through the epic winter than never ended. Just the lush greenery of the coast with a simple surf check via skateboard takes you to another world of fun.
Especially in Santa Cruz. Beach cruisers, amazing fresh food, redwoods, beautiful women, lots of surf, rad old schoolers-the Cruz has a very laidback Caliesque style that for whatever reason feels like the Tahoe of the coast to me. And although there are tons of worthy surf breaks in and around the city, Pleasure Point is quite simply a pleasure to surf whenever you have the chance. Here’s a shot of a mid-morning set at 38th,
and a couple of guys killing some noserides.
Second peak was slightly bigger (as it usually is) than 38th, but the lines on sets weren’t quite as walled and long. First Peak seemed about the same, although it still held more of its characteristic A-Frame shape and snappiness. First Peak is usually reserved for the ripper short board crew, Second Peak can be a mix of short and long sticks, while 38th is almost always a log riding wave (except when a direct SSW rolls in as then the wave changes to a high performance tube ride).
The Hook, which is further down from the three main breaks of Pleasure Point proper, serves up some surf rules,
and is one of the more consistent high quality waves in town.
It wasn’t really firing this morning, but some good rides were had, and people were definitely stoked.
The main thing you have to worry about surfing in the city limits of Santa Cruz is this.
Remember what I said about surfing in Humboldt? There are clearly tradeoffs when you choose where to surf, but just exercise some patience and wait for a good one in the Cruz, and everything will be worth it. Guaranteed. Hopefully we get a few more days of surf before we head back to Tahoe although the swell is about to back off a bit while some weather moves in tonight. Oh well, the forecast for Desolation Wilderness says there might be 13”inches by Sunday night. Monday powder day anyone? KSL, it’s cool if we hike Squaw Monday, right?
