Conditions Report: Santa Cruz, CA New Years Eve @ Steamer’s Lane

Steamer’s Lane is one of the most famous places to surf in Santa Cruz.  It is often where the Cold Water Classics comp goes down and is where a lot of surfing history has been made in Santa Cruz.  It has gnarly waves, when it’s good, and is in a stunning setting right by the light house that looks over the Santa Cruz bay and the Beach Boardwalk.

Tuesday evening (New Years eve) was gnarly.  The waves were BIG, the swell was consistent, the tide was low, and the water was glassy.  There was some heavy surf that night and the swell looks to be holding high at 4-7ft — shoulder to 2ft overhead with an occasional 8ft monster.

Sunset surfing is always a pleasure as well.  Watching the sun set way out on the horizon never ceases to amaze both surfers and the crowds on the surrounding cliffs watching rippers rip.

It only helped that the Supermoon and King Tide, and a consistent swell all joined forces to produce stunning conditions all over Santa Cruz.