Pleasure Point Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SSW, SW, W, WNW.
Wind
NE, N, NW, Glassy.
Surf Height
Chest high-2X overhead.
Tide
Works on most tides but best on incoming, medium tide.
Pleasure Point Surf Guide
Pleasure Point, with multiple sections peeling along the point, offers something for every possible kind of waverider, from bodyboarders to shortboarders to longboarders, and this place is very, very popular with all of that and everything between. Sewer Peak, at the top of the point, is the best and most competitive section. First peak, further down, shifts around and can offer long, slopey walls. 38th Ave/Jack's, further down the point, needs a bit more swell but can offer very fun, easy rollers.
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.
LINEUP TIPS:
Etiquette | Surf Safety Basics
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
The wave itself isn't generally considered heavy, but the well-established crowd makes it better for intermediate + surfers.
Local Vibe
Doable
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
Minimal. It used to be bad at Sewer Peak, but no longer.
Hazards
Kelp, long lulls, angry flesh eating sea otters, crowds.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
Pull up in the neighborhood, then scramble down the numerous stairways. (Watch for no/limited parking signs.)
Bottom
Rock-reef, sand, kelp.
Best Season
Year-round.
Do you have local knowledge about Pleasure Point?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]