Santa Barbara - East
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Positives
- Many right pointbreaks
- Good wind patterns
- Great weather
- Entertaining area
Negatives
- Swell shadows
- Constant competitive crowd
- Relatively cool water
- Pollution
- Urban atmosphere
Santa Barbara - East surf travel guide
Although the Santa Barbara area is on a south-facing coastline, the swell window to the S and SW is entirely blocked by the presence of the four large Channel Islands. Point Conception further narrows the window of opportunity to W and NW swells that wrap around the cape and bend into Santa Barbara. When this happens, what's lacking in quantity is made up in quality at an unrivalled series of right pointbreaks. This set-up is the best in California on a medium to large SW-W swell. Straddling both Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, this south facing coast is tricky; you can burn a lot of miles chasing a wave.
Surf spots in Santa Barbara - East
Research the 16 surf breaks in Santa Barbara - East and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in Santa Barbara - East.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Santa Barbara - East
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Travel Information
General
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Security
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Money
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Cost of living
Communication
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- 011
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- Language
- English, Spanish
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Visas
Due to Covid there are special restrictions so it is essential to check the latest news before booking any trip. Normally most Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis and Japanese are part of the Visa waiver program so do not need a visa to enter the USA for up to 90 days, but they do need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs US$14.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta.
Other nationalities need to check as the rules are constantly being adjusted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_United_States
Getting There
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the cheapest places worldwide to fly to. Shuttle vans take people downtown, 45mn away for around $15, which is half the cost of a taxi. LAX is not too far from El Segundo’s spots. Rent a car, drive freeway 405 south until you reach the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Connecting flights to John Wayne Airport take 25 min.
Getting Around
If you can’t rent a car, stay in one place. Rental cars start about $160/w but go as low as $50 for a local rent-a-wreck. You must be over 21 to rent. Gas is cheap (30¢/l). PCH traffic is intense at peak times. Los Angeles has built an impressive system of broad streets and avenues including freeways up to 14 lanes wide. They allow movement quickly across the vast metropolitan complex except during the main commuting hours (7/9 AM and 4/6 PM). Public transport sucks for a surfer with board.
Accommodation
Carpinteria has 2 motel 6's at $40-$50. Santa Barbara (SB) has 34 beachfront hotels from deluxe to budget (Beachcomber: $60-$90). Camping at Carpinteria State Beach. Fast food is cheap ($8/meal), restaurants are expensive. Good value at various Mexican & the Sojourner in SB.
Activities
Arrange a trip to the Channel Islands for surfing (there are spots), fishing or whale watching. Inquire at SB harbour. SB entertainment includes zoo, theme restaurants, beach volleyball, hiking trails to mountains & nightlife.
Hazards & hassles
Most pointbreaks are visible from Hwy 101 will be packed if breaking. Oxnard beachbreaks less crowded but some highly localised. Mind private properties. Granite boulders can hurt. Sharks cruise only in Nth SB County.
Handy Hints
Don't bother bringing a gun. Shortboard costs $350. Heaps of shops offer cheap gear: Al Merricks Channel Island boards and Yater is in SB downtown.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.