(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“San Carpoforo Creek, similar to Lighthouse is a northwest facing beach. So the best swell comes from winter storms taking the Jet Stream over from Japan and hitting Oregon then cascading down to California. Often during the winter swell season these beaches will have waves 2-3 feet larger than the smaller waves present at breaks like Morro bay and Cayucos.
There is a significant shore break and a sandy bottom. On days with a wave power above 600 there are slabby steep waves with a rolling break and occasional closeout. When the wave power is above 1500 it will start to barrel. When the swell is big a significant rip develops that can be useful for paddling out but will make coming into the beach a little tricky.
The valley leading to the beach protects the break from the offshore winds usually present and leads to wind conditions more favorable than similar breaks.
Parking is simple along highway 1 park near the green gate on the ocean side of the highway and take the obvious trail to the beach. It takes about 45 minutes to drive from San Luis Obispo.”
Egg from UNITED STATES - 30 Mar 2021
San Carpoforo Creek Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 2 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.0(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: 3.0(1: San Carpoforo Creek is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 4.0(1: San Carpoforo Creek is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in San Luis Obispo. 5: the best break in San Luis Obispo). |
Difficulty Level: 3.5(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: San Carpoforo Creek can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at San Carpoforo Creek, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 4.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at San Carpoforo Creek are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.0(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 4.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: San Carpoforo Creek is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.0(1: Getting to San Carpoforo Creek 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: 5.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 5.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near San Carpoforo Creek for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 5.0(1: Camping at San Carpoforo Creek is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: San Carpoforo Creek is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 1.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at San Carpoforo Creek, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 2.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near San Carpoforo Creek where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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