Waddell Creek, the West Coast's premier wave sailing spot, is a true windsurfing legend. Situated approximated 15 miles north of Santa Cruz, Waddell Creek lays exposed to the prevailing northwest winds. The waves can range from small and fun, to intimidating and monstrous. Waddell Creek is a great place for spectators too, as the cliffs above the beach provide a natural stadium.

When it happens
Spring and summer are the best times to catch Waddell Creek. The wind typically starts to blow around mid-March and remains consistent through June. The waves tend to be the biggest early in the season. Summer can produce some epic windsurfing days, although the wind is a bit more fluky during the summer months. Fall can also be windy and some of the most classic south swells hit during this time.

What are the conditions like?
Wind in the spring is typically 4.0 to 5.0. Occasionally there are stronger days. The waves are typically head high to mast high in the early spring. As the season progresses, the waves tend to get smaller and more manageable. Summer winds are lighter, usually in the 5.0 to 5.5 range. In the summer the waves can get downright playful. Fall winds are the lightest and least consistent. The waves trend upward the closer it gets to winter.

How's the temperature?
Cold in the early spring. Cool in the late spring and summer. A full wetsuit is standard throughout the entire season. Booties and a hood might also be nice if you get cold easily.

Getting there
Waddell Creek is located on Highway 1 approximately 15 miles north of Santa Cruz.

From Santa Cruz: Head north on Highway 1 until you reach the entrance of Waddell Creek.

From the north: Proceed south on Highway 1 until you reach the entrance of Waddell Creek. It's really that basic. You'll see people windsurfing at Waddell from Highway 1.