Waddell Creek
Exposed sand-and-cobble beachbreak at the mouth of Waddell Creek on the north Santa Cruz County coast, inside Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Open to the full North Pacific swell window.
When it’s on
Waddell Creek works best on a WSW to NW swell. Light offshore wind from the northeast, most often early. Mid tide window.
Spot intel
- Parking
- Roadside state park parking off Highway 1 at the creek mouth. No fee posted at the pullout.
- Crowd
- Light on surf. The exposure and the wind draw kiteboarders and windsurfers more reliably than surfers.
- Beginner-friendly?
No.
Open-ocean exposure, persistent strong afternoon wind, cold water, strong rips at the creek mouth, and a white-shark presence the north county does not downplay. Not a beginner wave.
- Famous for
- One of the premier windsurfing and kiteboarding beaches in California, at the Big Basin Redwoods State Park coastal boundary.
- Lineup etiquette
- Beachbreak priority is per-wave from the peak. Kite and sail traffic shares this water, so hold a predictable line.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 37.0894, -122.2760
- Shore faces
- SW
- Region
- Davenport, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Waddell Creek?
- Waddell Creek works best on a WSW to NW swell.
- How big does Waddell Creek need to be?
- Waddell Creek is best in the 3-8ft range on a 10-16s period.
- What are the best conditions at Waddell Creek?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
- Where is Waddell Creek?
- Waddell Creek is a wind-exposed rivermouth in Davenport, California. The beach faces SW.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Waddell Creek?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Waddell Creek with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
Nearby spots
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