Cowells Cove / California / United States

Right in the city, this is well known as one of the best beginners spots in the whole of California.  It is a regular and consistent break, with a good atmosphere and good, clean water.

The beach is clean, sandy and small, and is crowded at the best of times – even during the week there will be plenty of people around, and on a good summer weekend you'll hardly be able to move. The temperature of the water will average about 15° C in summer and fall to around 12° C in winter.

This spot is best with the wind from the north, east, or north-east and the swell coming from the north-west or the west. It is best at the low or mid tide mark, and will start working at about 1 m before holding up to a maximum of about 3 m.  It is a point break, only to the right, and the waves are fun with very little power or speed in them. Length is usually about 50 m, so it's pretty short, although the odd day can go beyond this and may even get up to 150 m.

Parking is difficult to find around here, so be prepared for a walk. There are plenty of surf schools around, as well as shops selling gear, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. For nightlife, restaurants and places to stay, the city proper is just a short distance away.

There aren't any hazards here, just get out and enjoy it.