Capitola
Santa Cruz Surf Spots
Surf Guide
A soft, gentle, right-hand reef/point that is popular with beginners and longboarders, Capitola is a staple of the Santa Cruz surf scene, and has the crowds to prove it (especially in summer). There is also a shorter, slightly more powerful left off the back of the right. 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
All Abilities
Great option for beginners, but still fun for proficient longboarders; can get hairy (like anywhere) when big.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
This is essentially a beginner spot when it's small, so the crowd is one big party -- however, standard surf etiquette should still be adhered to. Beginners should be careful when it's big.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Super crowded in summer; moderately crowded in autumn.
Spot Rating
Poor
Far from the best wave in Santa Cruz, unless you are a beginner (in which case this is where you should surf).
Shoulder Burn
Light
Easy spot to surf, which is why so many beginners are here.
Water Quality
Clean
Less clean than other spots in Santa Cruz (especially after a rain).
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
S, SSW, W
Wind
NW, N, Glassy.
Surf Height
Small to well overhead.
Tide
Medium.