(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“My favorite place to surf WHEN IT GETS BIG ! All the variables need to be in place. It only happens a few times per year. The east channel buoy must be bigger than 10 feet at 15 plus seconds. Leds doesn't start working until it's over head. Otherwise it's a small fickle. Once in a while it will pick up a south at the right angle. When Rincon is 10ft plus, Leds is the place to be. When it's inconsistent the stand up guys can be wave hogs.”
iRay from UNITED STATES - 14 Dec 2018
Leadbetter Ratings
Overall: 1.0. Based on 5 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.8(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 2.4(1: Leadbetter is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.8(1: Leadbetter is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Santa Barbara. 5: the best break in Santa Barbara). |
Difficulty Level: 2.2(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.2(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Leadbetter can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.2(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Leadbetter, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.2(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Leadbetter are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.2(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.8(1: Often too crowded. 5: Leadbetter is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.8(1: Getting to Leadbetter requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 4.2(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.5(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Leadbetter for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.0(1: Camping at Leadbetter is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.5(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Leadbetter is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 4.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.8(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Leadbetter, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.2(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Leadbetter where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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