Steamer Lane-Middle Peak Surf Forecast and Surf Reports (CAL (2024)

FAQs

What tide is best for a Steamer Lane? ›

The absolute best time to visit Steamer Lane is around mid-tide while the tide is on the rising cycle.

1. Surfline. Surfline provides accurate reports for thousands of spots all around the world and is one of the most comprehensive and progressive for surf forecasting on the internet.

Surf reports, like weather reports, are not always 100% accurate, as they constantly change based on the weather conditions. It's best to use multiple sources and local surfing knowledge to determine the most reliable surf reports for your area.

Surf Spots

Steamer Lane is perhaps the most famous spot in Santa Cruz, offering both left and right-hand waves, catering to surfers of all levels.

Not necessarily — it depends on where you plan to surf. High tides are great if you're headed towards a reef break. The only exception is if it's near a bluff, in which case the waves rarely break before hitting land. Conversely, medium to low tides are better if you're surfing near a beach break.

Surfline has been the surf world's go-to for wave forecasting and surf reports since 1985, helping millions of surfers score better waves, more often. Use the Surfline app to know before you go anytime, anywhere. Keep track of current surf conditions.

Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii

According to a CNN report, Pipeline in Oahu is the world's number 1 surf spot. No wonder we have enlisted it as the first one on our list. Visiting here gives you a chance to ride waves that rise to 6 meters.

Usually, you will notice that it is better to surf on a mid to medium tide that is rising towards the high tide and/or for a few hours after the high tide.

How big is a 4 foot wave? ›

1 ft = Ankle-high. 2 ft = Knee-high. 3ft = Waist-high. 4ft = Chest-high.

Generally speaking the perfect size for beginners is 1 to 2ft. For intermediates: 2-4ft waves are best as it gives you more face of the wave to progress your skills on. You should keep an eye on the 'Swell Period', because it's a lot more indicative of the actual wave size (see the next point).

Steamer Lane was a term that was used to describe Waikiki when it was breaking at its biggest, as in, “We have a Steamer Lane swell today.” It happened when the lineup put you so far offshore that you were in the shipping lanes used by the former interisland steamers.

Today's Steamer Lane-Middle Peak sea temperature is 53 °F.

The Lituya Bay tsunami not only became a crucial study point for research but also solidified its status as the largest recorded wave.

The best time to dock is during a slack tide. The minimal water movement is ideal for boaters, as long as the winds are not too strong. A low tide may moor your boat before you have a chance to reach the correct docking area. A high tide also will prevent you from reaching the place where you need to dock.

Pleasure Point-Insides Surf Guide

A right hand reef break. Best around low tide when the tide is rising. Likely to be crowded if working. Beware of sharks ,rocks and rips.

As a general rule, if you are fishing for whiting or flounder from the beach then be sure to fish at low tide, as you will reach deeper water more easily. If you prefer to use a float to pick out bass from between the rocks, then fish at high tide, because most rocks will then be under the waterline.

The best low tides are negative low tides. During the spring the negative low tides are usually in the early morning whereas in the late fall and winter the negative low tides are in the afternoon. We recommend visiting the tidepools on a day with a low tide of 1.5 ft. or less.