California’s coastline is full of amazing right handers that work throughout the year. There are, however, a few gems that stand out from the rest. From Rincon to the Ranch, these are California’s 5 Best Rights.
The Queen of the Coast at sunset. Photo: Andy Bowlin
1. Rincon
There is no place like the Queen of the Coast. While Rincon often lies dormant during summer months, Santa Barbara locals wait all year for the perfectly groomed cobblestone point to come alive with the first west swell. The wave features three sections: the Indicator, the Rivermouth, and the Cove. On Rincon’s best days, it offers fast, racing sections and even barrel sections. Pros like Tom Curren, Dane Reynolds, Bobby Martinez, and the up-and-coming Coffin brothers have all honed their style on Rincon’s flawless walls. However, the amazing waves draw large crowds, and most good days at Rincon see hundreds in the water. Local surfers can get a break from the crowds by entering the Rincon Classic surf competition held each year exclusively for surfers in the neighboring communities. Despite the crowds, Rincon truly offers world-class surf, and it tops the list as the best right in California.
Santa Cruz lineup. Some things never change. Photo: Ryan Tatar.
2. Steamer Lane
Steamer Lane offers some of Northern California’s best right-handers. The wave hugs the West Cliffs of Santa Cruz, and thick kelp beds protect the break from wind. Steamer breaks year round, however, like Rincon, the best days of the year are often during winter swells. Rumor has it that Steamer Lane earned its name back when steam ships narrowly navigated through the large surf that broke almost to edge of the shipping lanes. A lengthy point, it has several sections including Indicators, Middle Peak, The Slot, and The Point. Despite the chilly Northern California waters, surfers have paddled out at the Lane since the 1930’s. The spot’s popularity greatly increased with development of the first surfing wetsuit by Santa Cruz native Jack O’Neill.
It’s not easy to get a shot of Lower Trestles with this many guys out. Photo: Adam Burns
3. Trestles
Located just south of San Clemente, Trestles offers a handful of waves worthy of mention. Trestles’ most popular (and frequently overrun) wave, Lowers, lights up during summer time south swells. While Lowers offers a short, punchy left as well, it is best known for its long, green, right-handed walls. South swells frequently coincide with offshore Santa Ana winds, and the combination produces a truly picturesque lineup. Just to the north of Lowers is Uppers. Upper Trestles offers a classic right-handed cobblestone point. Although not as “perfect” as Lowers, Uppers offers quality surf, especially during the winter months. Finally, on the southernmost stretch of Trestles is Churches. Just off of the Camp Pendleton marine base campgrounds, Churches is normally a longboard break. However, on a big northwest swell, with just a little luck, Churches transforms into a sweeping fifty-yard wall wrapping into the nearby bay.
Early morning Malibu low tide slides. Photo: Dylan Gordon
4. Malibu
Malibu is California’s original point break. Just north of LA’s glitz and glamour, the hills and beaches of Malibu offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle, bustle and road rage. Located right off Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu still exudes that golden California aura. Despite ever-increasing crowds, Malibu still lights up like no other place on the coast on a steep south swell. Famed for its never ending First Point peelers that are perfect for longboarding, Malibu also offers steeper more powerful sections at Second and Third Point. However, the wave has been the center of turmoil for local surfers; California State Parks recently restructured the Malibu lagoon. Time will tell how the restructuring will affect the wave, however, it is hoped that the project will improve the conditions of both lagoon and ocean ecosystems.
This may or may not be an aerial view of the Ranch. Don’t look for it.
5. The Ranch
Tucked in just to the north of Gaviota, the Ranch is one of the few stretches of the California coast that remains completely untouched. While still in Santa Barbara County, the Ranch is comprised of both the Hollister and Bixby Ranches. A select few landowners possess valuable parcels of property in the Ranch, and they work hard to keep the area undeveloped and pristine. Only these landowners and their guests have access to the area’s gorgeous coastline. Teeming with world-class right point breaks, the Ranch is heavily regulated to keep intruders out, and there is no public beach access. Strict etiquette remains an integral part of the Ranch’s surfing community, and surfers frequently enjoy perfect waves with only a handful of friends in the water. Although this sounds like a California surfer’s dream, don’t get any ideas about trying to break in, for you won’t be received well.
