So about this time last summer i am driving down the coast from santa cruz on my way back from a camping trip in big basin with my girlfriend and her mom. Even though we were in S/C Big Basin is in the red woods (and is by far the most gorgeous camping ever! you have to check it out!) i didnt bring a stick.
As we drove down the coast i didnt see much but i really wanted to surf. At one point i happened to look out the window and see a sick set roll through at some beach break and i start hootting and holloring! my travel companions happily indulged my desire to witness this surf just off PCH (Hwy 1) and as we are pulling off i notice a surf shop. SO i run in asking if i can rent a board and a wetsuite. The guy was really nice and said he would let me try out this brand new fish he had but i could only go for 15 minuets. He then said his buddy had a shope off the main drag in carpinteria, the next exit. he phoned them and sure enough they had a board and were open for another hour.
SO we hauled tail down to the shop and i rented out a 7 ft doyle. i was not too happy but i ran the 1/2 down the street to the beach carrying this bulky board in nothing more than board shorts. When i got to the main beach in town, not caring what the waves were like, i was rewarded with what seamed like miles of beach stretching out in both directions, totally uncrowded with PERFECT a-frames peaking everywhere!
i paddeled out with one other guy and was so stoked that i i almost missed the dolphins swimming right under me. I froze my butt off but was so stoked to be in the company of such perfect waves. i mean what could be better than perfect, hollow, shoulder high a-frams. i have pictures to prove it too. needless to say it was a worth while detour.
Next time you are rolling down highway 1 check out this little beach town, and get some surf. but trust me, bring a suite.


p.s. i returned to big basin this year and was not surprised when everything between santa cruz and santa monica was flat EXCEPT for this awesome little beach town.