Hey everyone! Am a beginning/intermediate surfer here in Santa Cruz
used to surfing Cowell's a lot, once in a great while Four Mile and
Davenport. Most places were pretty flat yesterday so my friend Rachel
decided we should surf Manresa! I have only heard of it, never been
there. She said it always has good waves as it is a west facing beach
and surfline said they were up to 6 ft so I was like whoa! Sounded
awesome :) So we arrived, geared up and the waves looked great and
totally doable! A little choppy but we were excited. Headed down to
the beach and noticed the cross currents everywhere! At that point I
got really worried and she was like "oh yeah Manresa is really well
known for its really strong rip currents. People have often been swept
away or drown here." Bleh a little intimidating but went to the safest
looking spot. I tell you the paddle itself there can wear you out! And
it seems no matter how often you get out of the rip current, it finds
its way back to you. Was an unsuccessful day and I know not to go back
there for a long time. I have heard of young kids having lessons there
and it being a big beginner spot over the summer but at times like
this, and maybe its because its winter, Manresa should only be tackled
by the advanced surfer right now.