Jack's Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SSW, SW, W, NW
Wind
NE, N, NW, glassy.
Surf Height
Knee high-2X overhead.
Tide
Low tide.
Jack's Surf Guide
On big winter swells and the occasional macking S swell, Jack's transforms into a world-class wave. On the biggest swells, it is possible to ride a wave from First Peak Pleasure Point all the way through Jack's/38th Avenue.
LOCAL RESOURCES:
Big Stick Surfing Association | Santa Cruz Boardriders Club | Santa Cruz Surfrider Foundation | Save the Waves: Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz Surfing Museum | Fleahab | Black Surf Santa Cruz | | Santa Cruz Longboard Union
*SANTA CRUZ WORLD SURFING RESERVE*

This break sits in a protected surf ecosystem — preserving the coastline, culture, and access that keep it working. Here's why this break matters.
Ability Level
Beginner - Intermediate
Beginner-intermediate.
Local Vibe
Doable
Very edgy, especially when it's good.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Very crowded. This place is extremely popular with everyone. Mid-week is the best call.
Spot Rating
Perfect
Quite good.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Minimal to moderate depending on size.
Water Quality
Clean
Fine.
Hazards
Kelp, long lulls, angry, flesh eating sea otters, crowds.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
Just pull up to the cliff and park, then scramble down the numerous stairways.
Bottom
Rock-reef, sand, kelp.
Best Season
Year-round.
Do you have local knowledge about Jack's?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]