Steamer Lane
Santa Cruz, USA
Reef breakAdvanced
Santa Cruz's iconic headland break, Steamer Lane is the heart and soul of Northern California surfing, multiple distinct peaks along a dramatic stretch of exposed reef below the Lighthouse Museum.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size3-8ft
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
October–March
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Left (primarily), with right options
Bottom
Rocky reef
Shape
Long, powerful walls with hollow sections, The Slot has the most intense barrel
Length
50–200m depending on which section
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced
- •Why: Multiple fast, powerful sections over a rocky reef, the crowd is experienced and the etiquette is strict.
Hazards
- •Rocky reef throughout (impact zone is shallow)
- •Notoriously competitive lineup
- •Strong rip currents on big swells
- •Cold water (13–15°C)
Local Tips
- •The Slot is the main peak, deep water channel entry to the south makes paddling out manageable.
- •Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum in the Lighthouse above the break before or after your session.
Location
36.9605, -122.0240