Sunset State Beach Windsurfing?

salty-skin · Joined: 16 Jul 2000 Posts: 50

I'm going to be camping at Sunset state beach by watsonville next month. Does anyone know if this would be a good place to try wave sailing? I was thinking one of those new stand up paddleboards would be great to try wavesailing with. But I could use my freeride board too with a wavy fin if I use the inboard strap options.

Any other tips?[/b]

squirleyd · Joined: 24 Apr 2000 Posts: 32

Hell, it's been decades (2) since I camped there. When I did, I wished I had brought a big transition board to just go goof around in the water. More like lake sailing, I've never witnessed any type of break other than shore related. I think slalom gear might be the way to go, and if you happend to catch some litte waves, be happy.

Although I would take frowns from locals for this comment... drive north for playing in waves.

DD

beallmd · Joined: 10 May 1998 Posts: 1154

Most all of the coast from monterey to natural bridges is "inland" and out of the wind and the waves are typically small and very much on the beach (shorebreaks). One place to possibly look at is Moss Landing. Occasionally the Santa Cruz harbor can get a little afternoon seabreeze. But mostly head up to Natural Bridges/Davy/Waddell. For SUP then all the usual surfspots, but they may not be friendly. Observe wave rules very strictly to keep out of fights...

carl · Joined: 25 Feb 1997 Posts: 2674 Location: SF bay area

I used to boogie board there often.
Spring, fall and winter can get some good surf. I've seen 10+ft faces there. Lot of white water when it's big though, with big close-outs outside. Hard to get out even with a boogie board and fins.
In June you'll probably see some mellow 3ft-ers. July thru Sept is usually small but often still surf-able.
Wind wise, you might get lucky in the afternoon, but you're more likely to use the paddle. There's lots of room to find your own break, away from surfers.

ctuna · Joined: 27 Jun 1995 Posts: 1125 Location: Santa Cruz Ca

Top to bottom at Sunset Beach right of the Beach . As for the wind it always seems to be windy down there if its not foggy . I asked the Rainbow fin guy on visit to his shop , which is close to Sunset, once but didn't seem like he went out there much.
The Surf would be more friendly at Manaresa Beach.