Windance | West Coast Guide

Scott's Creek
North of Santa Cruz and Davenport, south of Waddell Creek. A reef break with funky rigging, tricky launching, good waves, and the smallest crowds on this stretch of coast. back to California sites

Skill Level: 7-10	Amenities: Parking on the side of busy Hwy 1.
Sailing conditions:	Waves head high or better, breaking over a rock reef. 5.5 to 4.0 depending on day and season. A bit lighter than Waddell, and needs a real swell to break, Scott's does have long, clean waves and wind filled into the beach.
Rigging area:	Best to park on the north sloping side of the creek on the west shoulder of the road. Be VERY careful as traffic comes blind over the bluff and travels very fast. You have to navigate the narrow, steep, blackberry lined path to the beach with your gear, so choose between rigging on the bluff, or on the beach.
Launch:	Once down the path, you may need to cross the creek a time or two. Be careful, it is often deep and fast moving. Carry your stuff around the headland to the north of the creek and walk towards the rocky point. Wade out onto the rock ledge and launch. The sandy part of the beach is not good for launching due to the large, powerful shorebreak.
Parking/Camping:	There is additional parking on the south side of the creek/gully, but launching there is not recommended due to current, shorebreak and lighter wind.
Extras:
Warnings and hazards:	Standard Safety Tips Site specific: Sharks, shorebreak, and the reef can suck dry under certain conditions, so be careful. One should always be aware of the local currents, tides and underwater obstacles.
Directions to get there:	From the north, travel 5-10 minutes south of Waddell Creek across the top of the cliffs. At the first real crest and elevetion drop begin slowing down and carefully park on the right shoulder. If you have traffic behind you, it is best to pass the parking, turn around safely at the bottom of the hill and go try again. Coming up from Santa Cruz, Scott's is about 15 miles from town. There is a large paved parking shoulder on the west side of the road before you get to the beach. It is best to go past the paved parking area, the beach and the hill, turn around and park as described above, but the decision is up to you.
Site owner:	Whitey
Site liaison:
Events planned for this site:
Comments and news about this site:	Waves are worth the hassle. If the swell is tiny, or the wind has a lot of west in it, go to Waddell Creek for fun jumping. If you have any news about this sailing site, or mistakes or additions for this page; please Email us at windance@windance.com.

Windance 108 Hwy. 35, Hood River, OR 97031
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