Moonstone Beach

Moonstone Beach in Trinidad, California is about 10 miles north of Arcata and about 7 north of McKinleyville.  The last time I was there in the summer the waves were breaking hard close to shore giving perfect amount of space to catch some speed to hit the wave. The best times I saw for experienced riders were about an hour after low tide all the way up to when high tide came in. I have also seen some rides during high tide but were hard to time. For beginners try to ride about a couple hours after high tide up until low tide hits. This gives you long flat areas to practice landing on the board. This is what I did to get the jump down when I started as a little spike.

Directions--Take 101 North past the Clam Beach exits and it will be the next exit. You'll turn left at a stop sign and then go under a bridge until you stop again. There will be a sign with Luffenholtz Beach to the right and Moonstone Beach to the left. So turn left and pass a couple houses on the right and turn right when you see the ocean. Follow it down a hill and there will be two different parking lots. Usually it is hard to find a spot on the lower side because this is where most locals go so you may want to park higher up from the beach. So go out and enjoy.

Submitted By: Jon Chaplow:jchaplow@sandstone.baldwinw.edu

College Cove

College cove in Trinidad CA is about 12 miles north of Arcata (HSU). Being that I just got back to school in early August, I'm assuming that it starts breaking good around mid July. Right now (Sept.23) it is starting to tear away the slope and flatten out. I figure it should last another month or so but you never really can tell about these things. The best time to go is just after the turn of low tide all the way up to about an hour before high tide. The waves are not huge but sometimes can kick up, and tube rides are a possibility. Unfortunately there is no sidewash.

Directions- Take 101 north to the Trinidad exit. I still don't know street names, so go left at the exit all the way to the end of the street, and go right back into the woods. The road is paved but one lane. take it almost a mile back until you see the Elk Head trail on your left. >From there it's just a path down to the beach. It's a very small town so just ask anyone if you have trouble finding it. People up here are very friendly.

Submitted by David Asselin:dja5@axe.humboldt.edu

Big Lagoon

Big Lagoon is very easy to find just by knowing the name. From what I've seen it breaks probably year round (pending it's not windy or stormy) I myself have never skimmed there. You have to have a few screws loose if you do. I have seen twelve foot shorebreak there and I wouldn't doubt if it got bigger. A small wave at this place is about six feet. Very fast and very powerful is the only way to describe it. When I saw it, it was around the beginning of May so I couldn't really give you accurate info on it now. It seems like it would be worthwhile for some of the pros to check out. Like I said, BIG and NASTY waves. I haven't made my way up there yet but I will try and get you more info on this place as soon as I can.

Directions- Easy to get to. About a 35 minute drive past Arcata on 101 north. There will be a turnoff before the actual lagoon on your left. It will say Big Lagoon beach parking/campground (something like that, I assure you won't miss it) Take that road and follow the signs. it is not very far off the road.

Submitted by David Asselin:dja5@axe.humboldt.edu

Samoa Beach

Cold water, most of the time followed by cold weather. Most of the time somewhat shitty shell bottom, the further south you go on the beach, the better it gets though. I would say high tide would be the best, due to the slope of the bank, but pretty much any time will do. Hardly any people AT ALL. You would be lucky during a weekend midday to find 15 people on an entire mile or two of this beach.

I would say look on mapquest.com for the best directions, but basically, take 101 North almost all the way through Eureka until you see the Samoa bridge exit to the left(you will turn on the street right in front of the Pizza Hut. Then drive over both bridges, and at the bottom of the second bridge, turn left. Then drive for approx. 1-3 miles until you see the pulp mill. Then just stop at any little side street, or turn out you feel like. The best spots to park are the turnarounds(many local parties are held at these beaches on any given weekend as well)GOOD LUCK!

Submitted By: wildass_willis1@yahoo.com

Dry Lagoon

Dry lagoon is roughly 10 minutes south of Orick and 15 minutes north of Trinidad. I’ve only skimmed there a few times but what I’ve seen is there are some good sized ridible waves.(3-10 feet, not as big as big lagoon)The beach its self is a little steep but it all depends on the day. The only things I caution you about is 1) there is strong under tow and the water gets deep fast so I suggest you to wear a wet suit if you have one 2)there are a lot of people who look for agats there, the rocks change every day so be careful with your board but usually no rocks to worry about.

Submitted By: lazlo031@aol.com