Windsurfers gather at Waddell Beach, known as one of the foremost windsurfing locations in the nation. The strong, steady northwest winds provide a playground for experienced windsurfers. Novice windsurfers should seek more sheltered locations.

Waddell Beach has been a stop for the International Windsurfing Tour which saw 75 competitors gather there in 2012 for the Santa Cruz Goya Windsurfing Festival. Competitors from about the world vied for a share of the $5000 prize money. The event has returned in recent years as a favorite stop on the American Windsurfing Tour.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Surfing

Surfers often find good beach and reef breaking waves at Waddell Beach. Beginning surfers find suitable waves here on the occasional days when the break is small. Waddell Beach has served as the backup location for a number of local surfing events. The 2009 Grade-3 Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships were shifted to Waddell Creek when conditions elsewhere weren't as favorable.

Kiteboarding, or kitesurfing, as it is also called, has burst into popularity in recent years. Kiteboarders launch a power kite which pulls them across the water on a kiteboard, similar to a small surfboard.

Waddell Beach is extremely popular with kiteboarders, for the same reasons that windsurfers favor the location. As with windsurfing, Waddell Beach is not suited to novice kiteboarders.

Experienced kiteboarders know to be wary of rocks on the north end of the beach, hidden by higher tides. Experts advise not riding with a board leash, since it could do more harm than good in the rough surf.

Due to the high winds, most kitesurfers opt for kites less than 10 meters, usually 4 - 8 meters. Most kitesurfers at Waddell Creek are there to ride the waves. In the past Waddell Beach has been the site for kiteboarding competitions.

Kiteboarding Lessons

Santa Cruz Kitesurf

Kiteboard Sales

Caution Kites of Santa Cruz