Overview
Pleasure Point is one of California's most famous and popular right-hand point setups, prized for its reliability, its expanse, and the frequent good shape it gets from the forests of kelp that groom the swell. It breaks over uneven reef and sand and stretches for about a mile, with several distinct take-off spots, so there's usually a peak to suit the conditions.
When It Works
The point is very consistent, drawing swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with southwest (SW) the best match. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft.
Starting at the top, Sewer Peak is a top-to-bottom barrel over a rock shelf. The lefts can be decent, but the rights are cleaner and longer, and it's best on south and west swells and low tide. Next is First Peak, a very predictable quality righthander that holds a variety of swell angles and tides, and on a big day it can run all the way through to Insides. Further down, Second Peak is more of a lined-up wall than a true peak; it's not as stellar but still has its day. Out front of Jack O'Neill's house, Insides (also called Middle Peak) is a mushy reef peak, best at lower mid tides to cut down backwash, though bigger lows choke it with kelp.
Wind and Tide
Look for a north (N) offshore wind. The point surfs on low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
There's something here for most surfers: Sewer Peak is heavily surfed by excellent shortboarders, Second Peak draws the grommet pack, and the mushy Insides suits longboard cruisers and beginners. Expect a very busy lineup whenever it's on.
Access
There's parking at the top of the point, with free and roadside parking, and it doubles as a great vantage point to read the whole mile-long setup before paddling out.
