Surfing at Manresa Beach
Manresa Beach, with its exposed shoreline, receives consistent surf, making it good for surfing year-round. Surfers report that the best winds blow in from the northeast with the best groundswells arriving from the west. With such a long expanse of beach surfers are able to spread out and find their own spot.
The break provides both right and left-hand waves. The better waves form when the swell is less than four feet. Some of the best surfing is around mid-tide when the tide is coming in or around higher tides.
Surfers and swimmers should be wary of dangerous rip currents in the area. Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.
Santa Cruz Surfboard Rentals
1368 San Andreas Rd. Watsonville, CA,
Equipment is rented on a 24-hour basis. Renters must be 18 or older with a credit card and picture ID.
(831) 722-4060 Santa Cruz Surfboard Rentals
- Surfboards: Soft-top surfboards to help with floatation and stability, 6 to 9 feet.
- Wetsuits: Sizes to fit men, women, and children.
- Bodyboards: Great fun to ride and easy to use.
Manresa Beach Junior Lifeguards
Every summer the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation offers its Junior Lifeguards program at Manresa State Beach. Junior Lifeguards' teaches children how to deal with various water safety situations. The program consists of day camps (usually lasting three to five weeks) that provide instruction in first aid, CPR, ocean safety, rescue techniques, surfing and bodyboarding.
The Santa Cruz State Junior Lifeguard Program is offered at Manresa, Rio Del Mar, and Twin Lakes States beaches for children and youths ages 6-15. Manresa Beach is designated for ages 9-15. Participants new to the programs must attend one of the swim test tryouts, usually held at Cabrillo College. Check the website for a link to tryouts.
Junior Lifeguards
(831) 476-4992
Registration Opens April 1, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Manresa State Beach 2024 Junior Lifeguard Schedule (ages 9-15)
Session 1 - June 10 - July 5, 2024 (no liguards on July 4)
Session 2 - July 8 - August 2, 2024
All sessions run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Junior Ranger Program, Ages 7-12
Play games, hike trails, create your own animal, discover tracks, observe wildlife, all while making friends your own age in some of the best places in California!
Junior Ranger Program for children ages 7 - 12 covers topics such as geology, ecology, history, safety, plants, and wildlife. The Program can take place over several days, or you can start at one park, and then at another time go to a different park. Children should plan to spend about an hour at each activity.
The Junior Ranger Program is offered free of charge to visitors who have already paid park entrance or camping fees.
California State Parks Junior Ranger Program
Surf Fishing
Anglers at Manresa State Beach often land starry flounder, California halibut, barred surf perch, striped bass and surf smelt.
