Santa Cruz Magicseaweed is a popular surfing spot located in California, United States. It is known for its consistent waves and beautiful beach. Surfers from all over the world visit Santa Cruz Magicseaweed to experience the thrill of riding its waves. The area is blessed with a variety of breaks suitable for beginners as well as advanced surfers. The beach is known for its powerful and hollow waves, making it a favorite destination for professional surfers looking for challenging conditions. However, there are also sections of the beach where beginners can safely learn and improve their skills.
Photo of Andrew Juiliano by Bruce Anderson/Magic Seaweed
Surfing is a globally recognised cultural phenomenon whose unique connection with nature and rapid expansion into a multibillion pound industry offers exciting synergies for exploring various dimensions of sustainability. As 60-knot winds off the southern coast of New Zealand whip the sea into a violent frenzy, oceangoing enthusiasts start to scheme, canceling business meetings, fabricating food poisoning scenarios and contriving escapes from upcoming family functions.
However, there are also sections of the beach where beginners can safely learn and improve their skills. Santa Cruz Magicseaweed is well-known for its consistent surf conditions. The area receives swells from both the north and south, providing a wide range of wave options.
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July 23, 2013—The last time I surfed three times in one day, I was 20 and freshly relocated to a garage on the Westside of Santa Cruz. Shucking oysters at a now-defunct fish grotto on the wharf provided plenty of time for such a schedule. Five years later, the sporadic work of a freelance writer affords equal opportunity for ocean time while avoiding the distinct fragrance of Eau de Fish and Chips. When Surfline called for four days of solid south swell for Central California, I gutted the schedule for an upcoming weekend in the waves.
Surfers across Central California—and Santa Cruz surfers definitely fit into this category—suffer from “obligation dysfunction” at the hint of favorable surf forecast. As 60-knot winds off the southern coast of New Zealand whip the sea into a violent frenzy, oceangoing enthusiasts start to scheme, canceling business meetings, fabricating food poisoning scenarios and contriving escapes from upcoming family functions. Seven days later the Southern Hemisphere swell arrives in California, groomed and organized by 6,000 miles of open ocean travel. Donning four millimeters of neoprene and grabbing their most trusted chunks of fiberglass, surfers flock to the south-facing breaks of Santa Cruz County, which focus the swell energy.
Day 1: Go North, Young Man!
Thursday’s possibility of swell forerunners called for a trip up the coast in search of waves. I met up with three friends—Annick, Gregory and Dave—to search for July’s first helping of solid surf. Despite optimistic forecasts, the first days of the swell brought a little disappointment as northwest winds jumbled the surface conditions. Still, frolicking in the windy slop of Waddell Creek proved a great way to relax from work and transition into surf mode.
Day 2: Rocks and Roll
Saturday morning brought the full force of the south swell as 5-foot swell lines rolled through the kelp beds off West Cliff Drive. These conditions on the weekend days draw crowds upward of 60 surfers at popular breaks like Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point. Dave headed to Big Sur, fleeing the crowds, and left Annick, Gregory and me to search for a crowdless break. We found respite from the hordes in front of a rocky outcropping on the Westside of town. We spent nearly three hours hooting one another into unmakeable takeoffs as sections heaved toward the exposed rock shelf. An afternoon spent treating the reef like a trampoline proved more enjoyable than the chest-pounding, shit-throwing show at the Lane.
Day 3: Secret Spot Bonanza
Sunday brought a similar search for a deserted break. Annick, Gregory and I bobbed in the lineup of a “secret spot” off West Cliff. While the wave produces barrels with regularity throughout the summer, the break remains guarded by a constant swarm of straight-brimmed hats and knee-high tube socks perched along the walkway railing. Any show of intent to surf this heavily regulated location invites a chorus of verbal abuse. For the “un-chosen” to surf here, the fickle combination of tide, wind and swell must align with a deserted lineup and vacant parking lot. Cruising past on Sunday afternoon revealed an empty ocean and, most importantly, not a flat bill in sight. For the next two hours we traded heaving takeoffs over the boils, rewarded with the rare tube ride. For the second time in two days, the carnage of near un-makable waves made for a grin-filled day away from the crowds.
Day 4: Three Sessions A Day Keep The Work Blues Away
By Monday the crowds had dispersed as the weekend warriors retreated over the hill, swapping their O’Neill wetsuits for three-pieced alternatives. Fueled by two cups of coffee and a pile of frozen waffles, I pulled up at the Lane as the sun crested the Santa Cruz Mountains. The glow shimmered off the kelp-covered ocean, revealing glassy Southern Hemisphere-born lines rolling toward the rocky cliffs below the lighthouse. With only the self-, un- and nocturnally employed now in the lineup, the crowd of 10 shared waves until the tide came up and sapped the energy of the swell.
Following lunch, a cruise past the Westside secret spot revealed a lack of Toyota Tundras and tube socks. After sneaking down the cliff, I enjoyed a two-hour session of backwashy boils and reef poundings, with a pair of barrels to show it.
With four more hours of daylight remaining and just enough strength left in my progressively noodling arms, I decided a trip up the coast would cap the exceptional day of waves. A blind run to the beach at Four Mile revealed wedging south swell lines and only two people out. Laughing and sharing set waves with the pair drew me back to the takeoff zone after each wave until I could no longer resist the pull of a carne asada burrito. With a final glassy, wedging takeoff, I cut my way back to the beach, and several days’ worth of obligations neglected, to recover and bask in the satisfaction of a weekend well spent.
Photo of Andrew Juiliano by Bruce Anderson/Magic Seaweed
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The beach is exposed to a variety of wind directions, allowing for different types of waves depending on the weather. The Santa Cruz Magicseaweed beach is easily accessible, with ample parking available. There are also several surf shops and rental facilities in the area, making it convenient for visitors to rent equipment if needed. Apart from surfing, Santa Cruz has plenty to offer in terms of amenities and attractions. The city is home to a lively beachfront boardwalk with various entertainment options, including an amusement park and arcades. There are also numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby for visitors to explore. Overall, Santa Cruz Magicseaweed is a must-visit destination for surfers of all skill levels. With its consistent waves, beautiful beach, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers a memorable surfing experience that is hard to replicate elsewhere..
Reviews for "The Best Restaurants and Bars for Surfers in Santa Cruz"
- John Doe - 1 star - I was really disappointed with my experience at Santa Cruz Magicseaweed. The waves were small and lackluster, and the beach was extremely crowded. The surf conditions didn't live up to the hype at all. On top of that, the facilities were not well-maintained and the staff was rude and unhelpful. Overall, it was a complete letdown and I won't be going back.
- Jane Smith - 2 stars - I had high expectations for Santa Cruz Magicseaweed based on the reviews, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. The surf conditions were inconsistent and unpredictable, making it difficult to catch any good waves. The beach was also overcrowded, and it was hard to find a spot to set up and enjoy the sun. The facilities were average at best, and the overall vibe was just not what I was looking for. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for an incredible surf experience.
- Tom Johnson - 2 stars - I was really excited to visit Santa Cruz Magicseaweed, but sadly, it didn't meet my expectations. The waves were lackluster and inconsistent, making it hard to find any good ones. The beach was also very crowded, and it felt more like a tourist trap than a true surf spot. The facilities were outdated and in need of renovation. Overall, I was disappointed with my experience and wouldn't choose to surf there again.