Scott's Creek
Santa Cruz Surf Spots
Surf Guide
Scott's Creek is a right reef that breaks anywhere from two feet to 20, mostly in the winter. It can get big and burly, and the place will roll you to within an inch of your life if you screw up. The reef on the north end of the beach is the main attraction, but during the winter, the creek and the moving sand can create sandbars all up and down the beach. Scott's Creek also gets a lot of wind, so if you see sails, you probably won't be surfing.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
BegIntAdv
Intermediate-advanced.
Local Vibe
Doable
WelcomingIntimidating
Sometimes high.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
MellowHeavy
Sometimes high.
Spot Rating
Perfect
PoorPerfect
Quite good.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
LightExhausting
Depends on size but generally a lot of paddling, especially when overhead.
Water Quality
Clean
CleanDirty
Clean.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W, NW, SW
Wind
E or glassy.
Surf Height
Waist high-3X overhead.
Tide
Incoming to high.