Iconic California Surf Spot Crumbling into Ocean Amid Huge Surf (Clip)
A large chunk of cliff eroded at Santa Cruz’s Steamer Lane.
Managing Editor, SURFER
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Feb 26, 2024 11:00 PM EST
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The California coast has taken a beating this winter season.
Fueled by a hyperactive El Niño pattern, consistent high surf and back-to-back atmospheric rivers have pummeled the seaboard, creating historic waves and conditions for surfers, along with catastrophic erosion for coastal land and infrastructure.
It’s been equally destructive and epic, depending on who’s asking.
One situation impacting both sides of the spectrum is currently unfolding in Northern California, at the iconic Santa Cruz surf spot of Steamer Lane.
A massive chunk of the cliff lining the wave has chipped off and fallen into the lineup, presumably a casualty of the heavy rains, coupled with king tides, and topped off by the nonstop swell that’s been hitting the coast for months now.
And it’s not the first piece of dislocated cliffside at The Lane.
Captioning a video of the fallen rock, Santa Cruz Waves captioned:
“BREAKING (literally) ‼️ Another huge chuck of cliff has broken off at Steamer Lane. The cliff is obviously unstable so keep your distance if you cherish your life.”
Clip: Huge Waves Destroy Popular San Diego Surf Spot Parking Lot
Cardiff Reef carpark has been washed away by historic El Niño swells.
Due to its rich surf history, and its ample supply of waves, this region is one of Save the Waves Coalition’s protected surf ecosystems. As such, the eroding cliffside, and its potential impact on the celebrated wave below, is a source for concern.
During the much-discussed, potentially historic swell of December 28th, 2023, Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve noted:
“Waves reached sizes over 20ft as the swell peaked during a 6ft high tide at 10AM, Thursday morning. Residents and visitors remain advised to not go into the water and stay off of beaches, coastal jetties and bluffs.”
Now, the damage and dangerous conditions continue for Surf City of the north.
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