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Home break to both Joel Tudor and Rob Machado, on small to midsize days Cardiff Reef is a favorite destination for loggers and shredders alike. On larger days it really goes off, taking in swells from the southwest to northwest, forming freight training rights and walled up lefts over the reef just outside of the lagoon's outlet. A big clean north winter swell can create machine groomed barreling rights. More southerly swells create the loooong lefts that the goofy footed Mr. Tudor has mastered so well. The reef can be a blast on an uncrowded weekday, but weekends are typically a madhouse, especially during summer. A rising or falling mid tide is best, but the reef can deliver at any tide when the conditions are favorable.
Enter the parking lot at the north end of San Elijo lagoon to access the beach (paid parking or a California Parks pass is required), or park on highway 101 and walk down to the shore.
The Reef is so well regarded that Surfline has two webcams:
Cardiff Reef Live HD Surf Cam. Check out more Surf Cams at Surfline.com
Cardiff Live HD Surf Cam. Check out more Surf Cams at Surfline.com
