The Hook is a surf spot located in Bay Area, California. The spot provides right left waves. It’s situated in the Opal Cliffs area of Santa Cruz, near the intersection of East Cliff Drive and 41st Avenue. The Hook features a combination of rocks and sand bottom, suitable for low and medium tides. This spot sometimes breaks, offering waves less than 50m in length. It’s best suited for intermediate surfers. The Hook can get crowded, so it’s important to check the surf etiquette before paddling out. The spot works well with south swells ranging from 3 to 6 feet, producing hollow and fast waves. North winds are ideal for maintaining clean wave faces. Access is via a small parking lot on 41st Avenue, with a steep staircase leading to the rocky shoreline. Amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables. Surfers should be aware of kelp beds and sharp rocks when entering and exiting the water. Check your skills before paddling out to make sure the spot and conditions fit your surfing level. The Hook is known for its localism, so respect for locals is crucial, especially when the spot is crowded. Pollution can be an issue, and high tide exits can be hazardous due to waves pushing against the cliff wall. For easier exits, consider paddling to nearby spots like Privates or 38th St. Shortboards are preferred here, and longboards may not be welcome. Nearby surf spots include Pleasure Point, Privates Beach, Rockview Street, 26th Ave, and Capitola Jetty. The Hook offers a challenging surf experience against the backdrop of Santa Cruz’s coastline. Remember to check the surf forecast and report before your session. A surf map or webcam can provide real-time conditions of this popular Bay Area surf spot. Check out the good surf at The Hook in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like The Hook, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.
Near spots
There are 48 surf spots within a range of 100 km from The Hook. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.
See all 48 surf spots