Overview
Cotillo Beach is a powerful sandy beachbreak with left and right peaks spread along a long stretch of coast. When the sandbanks return after winter scouring, it can throw genuinely hollow, barrelling sections, but it just as easily closes out when the swell is overhead or the tide is wrong for the banks. The northern end tucks in behind some shelter with shifty banks and fun waves, while further south the beach opens out into many peaks separated by occasional fingers of volcanic rock. Swells arrive out of deep water, which is what gives the waves their punch. It is an inconsistent spot overall, capable of excellent days and flat close-outs in equal measure.
When It Works
The beach draws swell from southwest through north to northeast, with northwest (NW) the best direction. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, holding smaller, cleaner swells best and getting heavy and rippy once it pushes bigger. The season runs through autumn and winter, with October to March the pick of the year. The bottom is sand with the odd rock, so the banks shift and the peaks move around.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind, with a workable wind window that also takes in southeast and northeast. It breaks on all tides, though a rising tide is better. The northern end offers some protection from north to northeast winds, which helps when the north shore is blown out.
Local Tips
This is a good spot for beginners and a popular learner's beach through the summer, and it suits just about anything under your feet, from shortboards and fish to funboards, longboards, SUPs and bodyboards. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it is on, though the sheer number of banks helps spread everyone out. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, but the best peaks can get competitive. Paddling is hard work once it is over shoulder high, with plenty of duck diving and rip to deal with.
Access
Turn left after passing the football stadium. There is cliff-top and roadside parking with free spaces all along the beach, but watch your gear, as thieves are known to work the cliff car parks. Camping and a lifeguard round out the facilities.
