Steamer Lane
Wave Height
3-5
Swell
~5s
Wind
25mph
Water
60°
Surf Graph
Tide Forecast
Recent History
About Steamer Lane
Steamer Lane is Santa Cruz's legendary wave, a series of reef breaks along the West Cliff Drive shoreline that produce some of Northern California's best surf. The main peak, Middle Peak, offers powerful rights and lefts that hold swell up to triple overhead. The Slot and Indicators further out offer bigger, more challenging surf. The cliffs above are lined with spectators, and the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse houses the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. This is NorCal's most prestigious lineup, with a deep local crew and decades of heavy surfing history.
FAQ
What is the water temperature at Steamer Lane?
The current water temperature at Steamer Lane is 60°F. A 4/3mm wetsuit with optional boots is recommended.
What is the surf like at Steamer Lane today?
Steamer Lane currently has waves around 3-5ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.
What time is high tide at Steamer Lane?
Today's high tide at Steamer Lane is at 1:45 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.
What time is low tide at Steamer Lane?
Today's low tide at Steamer Lane is at 9:14 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.
What are the best conditions for surfing Steamer Lane?
Steamer Lane works best with swells from the W, WNW, NW, SW and N, NE, E winds (offshore). The ideal tide is low to mid.
Is Steamer Lane good for beginners?
Steamer Lane is recommended for experienced surfers only. The waves here can be powerful and conditions challenging. Beginners should look for more forgiving spots nearby.
This Week's Outlook
Thursday morning looks dialed with 4-5ft faces, decent 12-second period, and light onshore texture hitting around the 7:38 AM high tide. The swell builds through the week but periods get shorter, so get on it before Friday when it's more wind-affected.
Spot Info
Local Tip
Paddle out at the stairs and work your way into the lineup. Respect the locals—this spot has deep roots.
Worth Checking
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