Overview
Waddell Creek is a long stretch of reefs and beachbreaks running up to a rivermouth, with more beachbreaks and reef at the north end. It's the workhorse spot for Santa Cruz surfers, open to just about everything and doing a good job of handling it all. Sitting at the mouth of one of the prettiest valleys on the coast, it's an industrial-strength break in a scenic setting.
When It Works
Waddell Creek is a consistent beachbreak that picks up swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with west (W) swell the best match. The reefs favour a mid-size west or south swell, while the beachbreaks will take almost anything and throw up both lefts and rights. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. It tends to be best in the morning before the onshore winds fill in, and delivers through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) offshore wind, or glassy conditions early on. When the wind does come up, it can still be good all day as long as it's blowing offshore. The break works on mid and high tide, and is best on high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a solid spot for intermediate surfers, suiting shortboards and funboards, as well as kiteboards once the wind is up. It's very popular with wind-assisted surfers, so expect windsurfers and kitesurfers to share the water when the breeze builds. Expect a busy lineup when it's working, since it soaks up plenty of the overflow from Santa Cruz.
Access
There's a car park with free parking on the ocean side, plus more parking up along the highway, and restrooms on hand.
