Surfing Waves

Hi, I am from San Diego. I am going to be living in santa cruz for about a year. I thought the water quality would be very clean, but to my dismay, I found that cowell's beach is ranked one of the worst beaches in california.

Could someone tell me how the water quality fairs throughout the year? I read that in the summer there are "no swimming" signs because it gets very bad.

Tom, Cowell's for true beginners and it does not break with adequate frequency to check on surf conditions. My advice? Go to Pleasure point and 38th street. If you are a true beginner, then stay in the washing machine until you can get out. IF you are advance beginner, bordering on intermediate, then stay on the margins, watch both the female and male regulars and gradually increase skill to get in with them. When I was learning, I'd paddle out with them and simply watch. If you are intermediate or better, simply go surfing at these breaks with everyone else.

The water quality in the places mentioned above and many other locales is fine in Santa Cruz.

Just thought of another spot, if you are beginner. Go a little ways south to Manzanita.

Here's water quality data for Santa Cruz. I routinely check a similar site for my break before paddling out.

http://gis.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/PublicWaterQuality/

I read somewhere that the water at Cowell's has improved. There were birds roosting nearby and their droppings were fouling the water. I think they made it so the birds couldn't roost along the pier any more so the water has gotten better there.