Surf spot

Cowells cove

Forecast conditions and map view for Cowells cove in USA, California, Santa Cruz. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: USA, California, Santa Cruz
Coordinates: 36.9579, -122.0243

Metric
Metric	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00
Wave height (m)	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.7	0.5	0.5	0.6	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.6	0.4	0.4	0.8	1.2	1.3	1.3	1.4	1.5	1.4	1.1	1.3	1.4	1.5	1.5	1.4	1.4	1.3	1.2	1.2	1.1	1.1	1	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.1	1	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.9	0.9
Wave direction	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WSW	SSW	NW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	SW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	S	S	S	S	S	WNW	WNW
Wave period (s)	8.4	8.6	5.8	8.1	11.3	11.7	7	6.3	5.6	5.4	5.4	6	12.7	10.1	5.2	5.3	5.8	6	6.3	6.5	6.7	7	6.2	6.2	6.3	6.3	6.3	6.2	6.3	6.3	6	6	6	6.1	6.3	6.4	6.3	6.3	6.2	5.8	6.6	6.3	6.3	8.5	9.1	13.3	13.1	13.1	12.7	12.4	12.3	12.2	12.1	11.8	5.8	5.9
Wave energy (kJ)	91	89	53	71	74	73	30	48	36	35	37	25	51	26	32	78	108	118	145	177	171	125	138	155	169	169	165	155	132	113	102	94	85	80	88	103	100	89	73	58	56	48	41	59	55	81	79	78	74	71	64	62	61	64	50	59
Wind speed (km/h)	2.8	8	5	11.3	13.5	17.3	8.8	9.2	5.1	3	1.5	9	8.6	18.5	13.4	1.8	6.4	2.6	3.2	9.3	12.2	6.1	12.1	5.9	4.7	6.6	4	7.9	13.8	13.6	8.2	2.9	4	4.1	5.6	9.4	10.8	10.9	5.4	1.9	3.9	3.3	1.1	9	13.5	13.5	4	5.8	6	3.8	1.1	8.6	11.7	8.4	11.6	6.5
Wind direction	SEGlassy	EOnshore	ESECross-on	SSWCross-off	WSWOffshore	WNWCross-off	NNWCross	NNWCross	NCross	NNEGlassy	NEGlassy	SCross-off	WSWOffshore	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	SEGlassy	ESEOnshore	NEGlassy	EGlassy	SWCross-off	SWCross-off	SCross	EOnshore	EOnshore	ESEGlassy	EOnshore	ESEGlassy	SCross	SWCross-off	SWOffshore	WSWOffshore	SSWGlassy	SGlassy	SSEGlassy	SSECross	SCross	SSWCross-off	SSWCross-off	SWOffshore	SSWGlassy	SEGlassy	SEGlassy	SSWGlassy	SSWCross-off	SWCross-off	SWOffshore	WSWGlassy	EOnshore	ENEOnshore	NNEGlassy	NGlassy	SSWCross-off	SWCross-off	SWCross-off	EOnshore	EOnshore

Cowell’s Cove is a well-known beginner-friendly surf spot in Santa Cruz, California, USA, located near the west side of Main Beach/Cowell Beach by the wharf and boardwalk area.

Spot description

Wave type: Mostly a soft, rolling beach-break with occasional small peaky sections.
Best for: Beginners, longboarders, and learners because the waves are usually mellow and easier to catch.
Typical conditions: Works best with small to moderate swell. When the swell gets too large, it can become crowded and bumpy rather than clean.
Wind: Usually wants light offshore or calm winds for the cleanest shape.
Tide: Often surfable through a range of tides, though conditions can vary depending on sandbars and swell direction.

Crowd and atmosphere

This is one of the most popular learner spots in Santa Cruz, so expect it to be crowded, especially on weekends and good small-wave days.
The vibe is generally relaxed and friendly, with lots of surf schools, longboarders, and first-time surfers in the water.

Hazards and considerations

Crowds are the main issue.
It’s close to the Santa Cruz harbor/wharf area, so be mindful of other water users and local surf etiquette.
Conditions can change quickly with swell size, tides, and sand movement.

Overall

Cowell’s Cove is a classic easy, forgiving Santa Cruz surf spot ideal for learning, cruising on a longboard, and enjoying mellow waves close to town.