Sandspit
Short, hollow right that breaks off the sand spit at the Santa Barbara harbour breakwater. Needs a long-period west or southwest swell to wrap past the point and stand up on the bar.
When it’s on
Sandspit works best on a S to WSW swell. It also picks up SW to W swell. Light offshore wind from the north. Low tide window.
Spot intel
- Parking
- Harbour lots off Shoreline Drive with a posted fee. Access along the breakwater.
- Crowd
- Thick and expert-heavy on the rare days it breaks. The takeoff zone is one narrow peak.
- Beginner-friendly?
No.
A shallow, fast barrel breaking beside a rock breakwater, with harbour currents and a single tight takeoff. Not a beginner wave.
- Famous for
- A rare, short, hollow right at the Santa Barbara harbour mouth that only breaks on long-period west and southwest swell.
- Lineup etiquette
- Priority goes to the deepest rider at the peak. On a one-peak wave that rule is the whole lineup.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 34.4040, -119.6870
- Shore faces
- SSW
- Region
- Santa Barbara, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Sandspit?
- Sandspit works best on a S to WSW swell. It also picks up SW to W swell.
- How big does Sandspit need to be?
- Sandspit is best in the 3-8ft range on a 14-22s period.
- What are the best conditions at Sandspit?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 0-4ft.
- Where is Sandspit?
- Sandspit is a harbor-mouth left in Santa Barbara, California. The beach faces SSW.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Sandspit?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Sandspit with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
Nearby spots
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