North of Santa Cruz

I was in Santa cruz last week w/ family.  We drove up Highway on from there.  I saw the beaches that you all talk about.  Do you all really launch through those waves?  some were huge!

Timing is everything, watch the sets for about 20-30 min. They usually have a window of smaller waves, it's easier to time the launch, than to time the landing.  Also try and get a surf/weather report before you go. 

And some days it's just best to enjoy the view, than try to launch.

Craigh
(pic of Bean Hollow)

Winter swell is vastly different than the summer stuff.  It does get dicey but I'd venture to say that no one woulda launched last week given the forecasts.

Seems like everytime I go down to SoCal to paddle the waves are wayyy bigger than what I paddle through here. Just got to know where & when to go.
Oh, yeah...and PADDLE LIKE HELL (that's the best advice i ever got on surf launching, from the pro Bo Barnes).