El Capitan

El Capitan is a surf spot located in Ventura and Santa Barbara, California. The spot provides both left and right waves. It’s known as one of the best point breaks in California, but it requires specific conditions to work well. El Capitan needs a good-sized west swell to break properly, which happens only a handful of times a year. The spot features a boulder bottom and works best during low and medium tides. It’s suitable for intermediate surfers and offers rides between 150 to 300 meters long. When the conditions align, El Capitan can deliver world-class waves. However, it’s often crowded, so it’s important to respect the locals and follow proper surf etiquette. The spot is located near other surf breaks like ED’s, Refugio, Tajiguas Beach, Seals, and Driftwoods. To access El Capitan, you can park in the campground right off Highway 101. Be aware that the takeoff area is close to sharp boulders, which can be hazardous. The water is typically cold, so a wetsuit is necessary. Check your skills before paddling out to make sure the spot and conditions fit your surfing level. El Capitan is known for its inconsistency, requiring specific conditions to break properly. When it does work, you might be sharing the waves with up to 100 other surfers who have been waiting for these rare occasions. Despite the challenges, many surfers consider El Capitan absolutely epic when the conditions are right. Remember to check the surf forecast and report before heading out. While no specific historical information about the spot was found, El Capitan State Beach, where the surf spot is located, offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, and access to hiking trails. The beach is also popular for swimming and other water activities, but surfing at El Capitan is recommended for more experienced surfers due to the challenging conditions. Check out the good surf at El Capitan in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.