Cowell's Beach?

[stokedandreadytoride]

i heard cowells beach is a good beginners spot, does anyone know about this spot?

[Gohntu]

Cowell is really good for newbies but you won't usually get good waves until winter comes around. I go there quite often to fish at natural bridges when there are no waves at all on the other beaches that I go to. This spot is very popular as it is right next to the boardwalk. If you need any surf equipment, I would go to Cowell Surfshop. I get most of my stuff there and they even have rentals. The people there are really nice. I can't recommend Shoreline because I've had bad experiences there. Don't go there especially if you are a "newbie". Not friendly people to say the least, I don't know how they stay in business.

[monkeyman25]

i like it, thats were i learned

[stokedandreadytoride]

monkeyman,
when you went was it in winter or was it some other season? i should be going to cali next year hopefully next summer or maybe even this winter, but how long ago did you learn? by the way how old are you?

Gohntu,

ill be sure to get my gear at cowell surfshop, if i go this winter what temp do you think the water will be? and should i wear a full wettie or what?thanks!

[Guest]

it was spring break

[decisme]

I am not a surfer yet but I do know about Cowell. I am planning on giving it a go after some of my other summer activities end.

Water in Santa Cruz (or anywhere in N.Ca.) is cold. I would guess it stays about 55 degrees all year round (+/- 5 degrees). So if you get cold easily I would suggest getting a thick wetsuit (full) 5 mil for the winter months. You may even consider using a squid lid, booties, gloves. Use at least a 3/2 shorty for the summer.

I live in San Jose and frequent the pier for fishing and sometimes launch my windsurf board (O'Yes it can get windy) from the beach. Cowell is a popular spot for newbies and vets because of its accessibility so it does get crowded on the weekends. There are several places close-by where you can rent boards, suits... anything else you need. It is after all a surf town.

During the winter, the off-shore storms and currents kick-up some fairly big waves. Summer its a lot more tame.

For what its worth, in the last ten years I have seen several dolphins and no sharks (you know, the great white kinds)! I cant say the same about Davenport, just north of Santa Cruz.

Good Luck and I hope to see you shredding out there...