Cowells
Santa Cruz Surf Spots
Surf Guide
Cowell's Beach is all the way on the inside of Lighthouse Point and Steamer Lane, and the waves are long, gentle, and break for a very long time. Cowell's is one of the most crowded surf spots in Santa Cruz, but most of the people are there to learn and have fun and have a good time.
Ability Level
Beginner
BegIntAdv
Beginner to good longboarder
Local Vibe
Welcoming
WelcomingIntimidating
happy
Crowd Factor
Heavy
MellowHeavy
Very, very crowded on sunny days, but it's mostly beginners.
Spot Rating
Fun
PoorPerfect
5
Shoulder Burn
Light
LightExhausting
2
Water Quality
Clean
CleanDirty
2, minimal
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W, NW, SW
Wind
E, NW
Surf Height
Flat to five-feet
Tide
Low to incoming