Privates Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Good on BIG north or south swells.
Wind
North.
Surf Height
Knee-high-overhead.
Tide
Mid-low.
Privates Surf Guide
Very tucked in/protected series of rock/sand peaks, mostly rights, between Pleasure Point and Capitola. Needs a big swell to get good, but is often fun and rideable with the right board and attitude.
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*

Privates 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-friendly.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Fairly mellow, generally.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Reasonably spread out peaks.
Spot Rating
Poor
Mostly pretty meh, especially given nearby waves.
Shoulder Burn
Light
It's a broad playing field, so one can paddle around chasing down peaks, but generally it's pretty mellow.
Water Quality
Clean
Decent, except after a big rain.
Hazards
Rocks.
Bring Your
Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
Park in the neighborhood and walk through the gate.
Bottom
Rock and sand.
Best Season
Can be good all year; needs solid swell from N or S.
Do you have local knowledge about Privates?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]