Ano Nuevo

At Ano Nuevo, just north of Santa Cruz, the waves rise from a sandy bottom, rolling in powerful barrels that beckon the intermediate surfer. The right-hand breaks favor swells from the northwest, west, southwest, and south, best enjoyed during the mid to high tide when the water is alive. When the north or east winds dance upon the surface, the conditions become ripe for a rewarding ride. But beware, for localism lurks among the waves, reminding all of the sea's wild nature.