The Ultimate El Captain Surf Guide

As you enter the northbound exit of Highway 101 out of Santa Barbara, the bustling suburban landscape turns to green mounds of windswept grassy hills.

Continuing along you will find yourself at the surfing and camping oasis known as El Capitán.

This state park offers travelers and surfers a nature-filled getaway, close enough to civilization for easy access and far enough to feel like a proper off-the-grid escape. 

Photo courtesy Curtis Reale

Surfing in El Capitan 

Waves 

El Capitan has the potential to offer some serious waves when the proper swell hits the shores of Santa Barbara.

This spot is primarily known for its rocky point break, providing surfers with a peeling right wave that will take you on a joy ride down the California Coast.

On smaller days El Cap can become beginner-friendly, providing small mushy peaks popping up all along the point.

However, this spot rarely works unless a solid west swell arrives, creating waves out of reach for most new surfers. 

Akin to Rincon on bigger swells, this spot will be perfect for surfers with a more advanced skill level. The main take-off area is extremely risky and hard to predict, landing you right above a cluster of salt-covered boulders.

When this spot turns on the surf will reach heights of head high and even overhead, offering a fantastic cavern of blue.

El Cap is one of the few waves in the Santa Barbara area that gets steep enough to throw a proper barrel. The main caveat is the inconsistent nature of this wave, being reminiscent of a lake most days out of the year. 

Surf Culture 

When swell arrives at the legendary point of El Capitán, so do the crowds of hungry surfers ready to realize their dream of a never-ending right.

This dream will seem out of reach as the paddle out ensues and the navigation of the surf circus begins.

The crowds can be eggy at this spot due to a shared sense that El Cap is local territory for the surfers that occupy the greater Santa Barbara area.

It will be a harsh learning curve for beginners and a rude awakening when attempting to get into any wave in the line of sight of locals.

Surfers should remain respectful of the clear priority established in the water and stay patient amid this congested point. 

Gear Needed 

The ocean water of El Capitan can become relatively cold throughout the year making it a necessity to wear the proper gear for certain conditions. During the spring and summer months, surfers can get away with wearing a 3/2 mm full suit.

When fall and winter come around it is highly recommended for surfers to wear a 4/3 mm full suit and add a hood or booties depending on the water temp.

This will allow for a lengthy session even amid the teeth-chattering swell-heavy season. 

On smaller swells, surfers should bring a mid-length or longboard to get the most out of this rocky point.

As the waves begin to increase in size a shortboard will be much more suited for this steep point. The powerful nature of this fast-paced ocean tube will require a board smaller in stature to get past critical sections, allowing for quick turns with little room for error. 

El Capitan Surf Locations 

El Capitán is primarily a rocky coral-covered point break that takes you south down Highway 101 until you reach the inside sand-bottom section. This break will offer a steeper take-off at the tip of the point on a solid swell and connect until you reach the inside.

The main point is where locals will stake their claim, establishing a pecking order in who receives which waves. 

Photo courtesy Curtis Reale

For beginners, it is recommended to stay further down from this main peak or drive 20 minutes north to Refugio State Beach.

This will provide a more friendly wave with a sandbar break and medium-length sections. Right around the bend of the main point is a lesser-known section that rarely works but can offer a sneaky left on the right tide and swell angle.

Tucked between a bouldered beachfront and wind-chipped wooden benches, this little cove has the potential for a fun session, hosting a much smaller crowd. 

What To Do When the Surf is Flat? 

When the surf is flat, which is likely along this stretch of coast, El Capitan State Beach offers plenty.

Visitors can explore hiking trails that wind through the park’s lush woodland forest and sandy beachfront. Tide pools near the point are teeming with sea life, including starfish, sea anemones, and an occasional octopus.

Camping is also a huge draw for travelers who can reserve a spot under willow trees and fall asleep to the ambient noises of the ocean.

Photo courtesy Curtis Reale

For casual beachgoers, there are picnic benches and a calm shoreline for a relaxing basque in the sun. Glamping is also an option for visitors seeking a more pampered natural vacation. There are a great number of cabins that provide a comfortable camping experience. 

Photo courtesy Curtis Reale

The Bottom Line: Surfing El Captain

El Capitán allows surfers to be freed from the stressful scenes of suburban beach breaks. Although crowded, when navigated correctly skilled surfers will find peaky hollow sections, unique to the coast of Santa Barbara.

Make sure to check the forecast, bring the proper gear, and respect the local priority and this California gem will provide.