La Setenta is the pick of the surf spots on the beaches around Havana. You'll find it just west of the old centre, right in front of the distinctive Russian Embassy in the Miramar district, and it answers to a handful of names, including Playa 70, Calle 70, and El Triton. The wave breaks over a shallow table of flat, dead coral that is painfully sharp, throwing up messy peaks that often close out. A slab of concrete jutting into the ocean gives you a marginally easier entry and exit, but otherwise this stretch is much like the rest of the reef that lines the Havana coastline. Rides are short and tend to go mushy once the onshores fill in.
When It Works
The peaks pick up swell from northwest through northeast (NW-NE), with northeast (NE) swell the best match. It breaks both left and right over the dead coral and is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. Don't count on it every day, as it can be somewhat inconsistent.
Wind and Tide
Look for a southeast (SE) offshore wind to clean things up. The reef works through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a friendly spot for beginners, and the concrete slab makes getting in and out that bit easier. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it works, and be ready to look after yourself in the water, since surf etiquette is still loose here.
Access
Head for 72nd Street to reach the break, where you can leave the car for free along the roadside.
