Got some great feedback from last week's column, about the first lefts of the summer. Seems this is a popular subject, so let's explore the topic a bit more this week. It's true Santa Cruz is known as the place with all the great right point breaks, but that's not the whole story. For the goofies out there, or the regulars who, like me, fancy the backside, here's some coverage of the lefts in the greater Santa Cruz area.

Although lefts can be ridden any season, the summer south swells present the best chances. Several reefs light up special when the swell comes from 180 degrees. At least one reef only breaks in these conditions.

In the far flung reaches of DogLand is a very special reef that fires in the summer waves. There are a couple peaks and lineups around the rim of the vast semicircular rocky structure. The hike into it is largely vertical, and the hike out after a long strenuous session can be a real push. But the waves are worth it for sure. One peak we call Jay's Peak, after our bud Jay's affection for this particular place to ride. There are numerous other places too, one of which is particularly hollow and tubey.

Next up is a beach break with a little ricochette action. The waves will slam the rocks on the east end of the beach and rebound along the shore to the west. This makes some awesome A-frames that create deep pockets before they typically close. Many magazine shots are snapped in those few milliseconds before the wave shuts down. In this case the hike in is long, with the major hazard being poison oak.

Another reef is called Dave's Place. It actually breaks all year round, with both lefts and rights. The inside lefts are particularly popular, 365 days a year. However, the south swell can spawn peelers from far outside on the tip of the reef that are rideable all the way onto the sand. This is hundreds of meters when things are just right.

Last week's column was about DogMan's Left. This mutant reef only has a chance to peel when the summer swell comes. Even then it is problematic and inconsistent. But it's a fun ride for a change of pace, and feels like you are cheating the system since this isn't really a surf break at all. Very few people get the chance or take the opportunity to ride here.

There are more opportunities to go left, but the last one to mention here is actually more of a winter wave. When Steamer Lane goes big, the outside rights are mostly gigantic mushburgers. But the lefts on those same waves can really go off; you just have to play chicken with the Lighthouse! This can be one of the most awesome lefts in the entire area; you just have to be there and have the stones to go for it.

So even though the rights in Santa Cruz get the most coverage, there are lots of lefts for us as well. We are entering prime season, so get some for yourself.

CU Out There,

DogMan