California Guide: Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a scenic coastal town host to a varied number of surf spots viable for all skill levels. The main spots are Devereux, Campus Point, and Sandspit. Devereux is located right off the bluffs of a college town known as Isla Vista. This is a right hand point break that offers a long mellow ride down the coast. This location is perfect for a longboard and even a mid-length on bigger swells. If you venture south down the coast you will find yourself at a spot called Campus point. This break is host to a smooth rolling ride that is perfect for all levels of surfers. A longboard is highly recommended to make the most out of this break. However on some occasions the swell will be big enough for a short board. Sandspit is a spot that rarely breaks, but when it turns on their is no other wave comparable. During a peak swell this right hand tube will send any surfer for the ride of their life. Although this is only seen every couple of years, making this spot a dead zone the rest of the time. Santa Barbara is dictated by the swell it is given throughout the year. Meaning it only breaks during certain seasons such as winter and the beginning of spring. This is due to the channel island blocking off most of the major swell that would normally hit the Santa Barbara coastline. If you are thinking of traveling here for surf be wary of this fact.