Overview
Steamer Lane – The Point is the farthest-out peak in a world-famous cluster of kelp-covered reefs and pointbreaks tucked into the lee of sandstone bluffs on the West Side of Santa Cruz. It peaks up at the end of Seal Rock off the tip of Lighthouse Point, throwing hollow, thick rights when it's on. The wider collection of high-quality peaks lets waves break in almost any swell and at any size, and on the best days surfers link the Point through Middles, Indicators and Cowells all the way to the shorebreak at the Santa Cruz Municipal Pier.
When It Works
Breaking over uneven reef and sand, the Point is a consistent right that draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with west (W) swell the best match. It's usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft, so it holds its shape as bigger swells fill in.
Wind and Tide
The point sits sheltered from the prevailing northwest winds, and northwest (NW) also happens to be the offshore direction here. It can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call. Expect plenty of backwash once the tide pushes up to high.
Local Tips
This is a contender for the most consistently crowded lineup in the country, so plan for a very busy takeoff zone shared by all kinds of wavecraft and talent levels. The peak itself is tight and hyper-competitive, best suited to confident intermediate surfers who can hold their own in the pack. Wildlife is everywhere too, and you might find yourself paddling out through the kelp beside a sea otter or seal.
Access
There's parking all along the point and out at the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, which doubles as the Lighthouse Surf Museum, with a mix of free, paid, metered and roadside options. Facilities include restrooms, showers, camping, a surf school and a surf shop.
