SPOTLIGHT ON THE CALIFORNIA SURF SPOT... PONTO JETTY
by Amanda Rigney

In South Carlsbad, CA, where the Batiquitos Lagoon meets the Pacific, lies Ponto Jetty, a sometimes-fickle collection of sandbar peaks highly dependent on the in and outflow of the lagoon.

The main peak sits directly in front of the jetty and offers both right and left breaking waves with fast takeoffs, a wall section and a fun reform on the inside allowing you to surf almost all the way to the beach.

There are also less popular, random pop-up peaks to the north and south of the jetty that provide a good alternative on crowded days.

Best suited to short and mid length boards when the swell is chest high and above, smaller days guarantee endless fun on a long board or retro fish.
Ponto can get packed fast due to its visibility from the Coast Highway, and weekends and

At a Glance:
Best Tide: Med. to High
Best Swell Direction: SW, S
Best Size: 3-5 ft.
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Ability: Intermediate-Advanced
Hazards: rip currents, stingrays in summer
Bonus: Large white sandy beach
Fun: 8

holidays draw sunbathers and families to the wide white-sand beach..
The crowd almost always includes a group of teenage rippers who take turns filming each other from the jetty and often exhibit more confidence than control as they attempt bigmaneuvers for the camera.

It’s always a good idea to paddle clear of
anyone up surfing on a wave and dropping in on others here is strictly frowned upon.
The key to catching waves at Ponto is to stay alert and use the shifting peak to your advantage -- the whole crowd can’t be in the right spot all the time and paying close attention will allow you to capitalize on the good waves that come your way.

Be aware that tide changes affect Ponto dramatically and, as the tide goes low, a rip current forms where the lagoon flows out to sea. Surfing here on a rising tide is best, but, if you can’t refuse a low tide paddle out, opt for one of the peaks on the north or south side of the jetty.

Parking (and surf checks) is free north of the jetty along the Coast Highway and there is a free sand parking area on the south side. As a last resort, park in the pay lot ($8) at the end of the beach and walk north for 5 minutes.

When tide, wind, swell and crowd come
together, Ponto turns on and tries to convince you that you’ve stumbled upon your very own Uluwatu.

Glassy barrels will beckon you to abandon schedules and responsibility in exchange for the time of your life. On rare days like these be sure to paddle out because, in crowded Southern California, word travels fast and your perfect peak won’t be a secret for long.