Magicseaweed Devereux (2024)

FAQs

Can you surf in Santa Barbara? ›

Whether you're learning to surf in Santa Barbara or want to ride some of the best breaks on the west coast, Santa Barbara is the ideal wave-lover's base camp with mild tides and moderate ocean temperatures. The season begins to ramp up in the fall but local breaks offer something for every ability level year-round.

MagicSeaweed has surf reports for over 5,000 beaches and point breaks around the world. MagicSeaweed rates each day of surf by a star rating system. Five stars means it will be epic and 1 star means it will be very poor. This site does have live surf cams, but not as many as Surfline.

While beach camping directly on the sand in Santa Barbara is generally not permitted, there are several campgrounds near the beach that offer easy access to the coastline. Some popular options include Carpinteria State Beach, El Capitan State Beach, and Refugio State Beach.

Situated between Stearn's Wharf and the Harbor, West Beach offers a picturesque sandy area for sunbathing, swimming, picnics, kayaking, windsurfing, and beach volleyball. Large palm trees and a wide walkway/bike path make this beachfront area a popular tourist spot.

Magicseaweed has joined the Surfline family. This means that not only will you have access to your favorite magicseaweed forecasting tech and team, but you'll also gain the features Surfline has pioneered over the past four decades.

Swell period is a measure of that acquired momentum and it determines how far a swell will be able to travel in the open ocean. Short-period swell, (11 seconds or less) will usually decay within a few hundred miles, while long-period swell, (above 14 seconds), is capable of far greater journeys.

Wave height on Magicseaweed tells you the what height wave to expect at the beach. Swell Period tells you how powerful the waves will be and affects the size. Generally surfable conditions are 9 seconds + (for the UK). Look for no wind or light wind on the forecast that's preferably offshore!

Generally speaking the perfect size for beginners is 1 to 2ft. For intermediates: 2-4ft waves are best as it gives you more face of the wave to progress your skills on. You should keep an eye on the 'Swell Period', because it's a lot more indicative of the actual wave size (see the next point).

As long as the wind doesn't get too strong, say over 20 knots, you'll be fine. Any stronger and it will be hard to take-off. The other winds are either onshore – from the sea to the land, or cross-shore – blowing from either side. If these winds are blowing any stronger than 10 knots it can chop the waves up fast.

Not necessarily — it depends on where you plan to surf. High tides are great if you're headed towards a reef break. The only exception is if it's near a bluff, in which case the waves rarely break before hitting land. Conversely, medium to low tides are better if you're surfing near a beach break.

How big are the waves in Santa Barbara? ›

It is unlawful to dive or jump from Stearns Wharf without the express permission of the Waterfront Director. § 17.13.

And with wetsuits draped over nearly every balcony, a top surf team, and the consistent stream of surf films and events in the area, UCSB comfortably finds itself as one of the best places in America to be a college student/surfer.

Starting at the Pacific, Santa Barbara is home to miles of public beaches, many of which serve as a launchpad for making a splash. Surf some of the most renowned breaks in the world, or stand-up paddleboard in the protected waters of Butterfly Beach in Montecito.