Santa Rosa is the furthest north of a string of longer left-handers, with occasional short rights, that run down the San Bartolo headland. When the swell fills in it turns into an angry stretch of water, standing up hard off the take-off and offering a tube section before shutting down on the boulder-strewn beach.
When It Works
The break draws swell from southwest through northwest, with west (W) the best match. On a northwest angle the rights open up, throwing fast, juicy walls for a short distance. It breaks over boulders and is usable from 1.5 m / 5 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, with moderately consistent surf. The paddle-out is tricky, and the currents get motoring on the bigger days.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind. Mid tide is the safest and the best call, with a rising tide generally the better half of the cycle, though it will still break through other tides depending on the swell size.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers who are comfortable in a demanding lineup. Expect it to stay fairly quiet, with crowds generally thin.
Access
Park at the cabana de surfistas near the creek mouth. There's a car park with free parking, plus roadside parking nearby.
