El Capitan Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Big, clean W or WSW, preferably a swell period less than 15 seconds.
Wind
NE, N
Surf Height
Head-high to double overhead.
Tide
Low.
El Capitan Surf Guide
El Cap only lifts a finger but a handful of times (if that) each autumn and winter season. It needs large W swells with just the right tide and wind to offer those fabled, roping, righthand barrels. Sitting deep and risking the unmakeable section will probably thrust you into the boulders, resulting in a barnacle massage.
Ability Level
Advanced - Intermediate
Intermediate-Advanced.
Local Vibe
Doable
Medium, but a lot of folks will go without looking anyway.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
It's a scarce, precious resource; think a major frenzied crowd.
Spot Rating
Perfect
Regional classic.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Not bad when it is small, plenty of work to be had when it is pumping.
Water Quality
Clean
Pretty clean unless it just rained.
Hazards
Drop-ins, sharp boulders on the point, sand-sucking pits.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Bodyboard, Fish
Access
Parking lot right there.
Bottom
Rock and sand.
Best Season
October-February.
Do you have local knowledge about El Capitan?
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