Summer in Santa Cruz?

[aveenvp]

Hey all!

I'm in Santa Cruz, CA for 4 days starting this thursday (August 21). I'm planning to rent a board and surf all four days.

I've been surfing all summer, and getting semi-competent. I can pop up confidently, set a bottom turn and am starting to work on more serious turning on a wave. I've surfed some of the tropical storm swells this summer on the East Coast USA, so I know for a fact that I can ride (and have fun riding) 6-8 foot surf.

My question is where should I be headed in Santa Cruz while I'm there? I'm staying in a house about a block and a half away from Cowells cove, but from what I understand the wave there is tiny and mushy. And it's completely packed with beginners.

Other places I'm thinking of:

Steamer Lane - It's the famous spot and all, and from the videos I've seen it looks like I can handle it as long as the swell isn't huge. My main concern is how crowded it can get and some of the horror stories of tough localism that I've heard.
How's the vibe at this spot? Would I be out of place as a single outsider paddling out to it?

Pleasure Point - I don't know much about this spot other than its location and that it's been recommended to me several times now. What's it like?

And are there any other spots I should be looking at near downtown Santa Cruz that'll be fun for a budding intermediate level surfer? Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a good (inexpensive) rental board hook up?

Thanks much!

[billie_morini]

You may be in Santa Cruz by now. I used to surf there often. Here are some notes.

Cowells: it's for the absolute beginner and i have never seen a wave there

Steamers: this requires advanced skills. You should not try to surf here. Vibe is very serious and the surfers are near pro level. You will get hurt here or cause someone else to get injured. Do not try it

Pleasure Point: multiple breaks. The closest one to shore should work for you. Often, the waves at the two outer breaks are 6 feet or more and usually pack a punch

38th street: is between pleasure point and the hook. Could be good for you. Can get crowded, but is mellow enough

The Hook: you must be fast and aggressive. Often crowded with good surfers. You will get in the way here. Do not try it