Ponto

Surf Guide

For years, this stretch of sand in South Carlsbad was indecipherable from the miles of other average beachbreak in the area. But, as some spots fade into obscurity over the years, others rise to center stage. Ponto -- thought to have derived from a mispronunciation of the Spanish punto, or "point" -- is one case where the Army Corps of Engineers have done some good for the area's surfers. A few years ago, when they decided that the Batiquitos Lagoon needed to be opened up on a permanent basis, they constructed two large jetties that, since then, have proven to be a virtual sandbar factory. The word's definitely caught on over time, however, so a newly formed bank doesn't stay secret for long. Ponto breaks year-round, with rights funneling off the south jetty during the winter and lefts reeling off the north jetty during the summer. Since the lagoon is constantly flowing, watch for a nasty rip that'll suck you out to sea before you have time to adjust the zipper on your wetsuit. And, with every wave you catch that doesn't morph into a worthless closeout, thank the Corps for a job well done.