Natural Bridges
Santa Cruz Surf Spots
Surf Guide
The first surf spot in Santa Cruz proper, Natural Bridges is a right reef/point that breaks along a gnarly rock shelf. It's a winter spot, best on bigger swells and lower tides. Natural Bridges can be mind-boggling at times, kind of like Gas Chambers in Puerto Rico on the wrong tides, but it is a little north of Steamer Lane, so it is exposed to northwest winds and blows out easily. Factoid: Ever see the Clint Eastwood movie Sudden Impact, where Sondra Locke blows away the guy sitting on the beach chair? That was Natural Bridges.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
BegIntAdv
intermediate to advanced
Local Vibe
Intimidating
WelcomingIntimidating
strong
Crowd Factor
Moderate
MellowHeavy
When it's cranking, it's crowded.
Spot Rating
Perfect
PoorPerfect
8
Shoulder Burn
Medium
LightExhausting
5. Moderate.
Water Quality
Clean
CleanDirty
2
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W, NW, SW
Wind
N, ENE, glassy
Surf Height
waist-high to well overhead
Tide
low