Proper Casinos and Main Beach - Santa Cruz 12/23/24 (no surfing)

[@rezlifestudios]

WOW... who knew

[@trevor8583]

What a novelty spot. Thanks for the videos Scott

[@johntuttle9544]

Wow. Mysto break going off and grinding.

[@Lifewithhetty]

Omg

[@robertarmenmissirian3287]

Does it have to be massive for it to break like that? It's always a closeout when I'm there. I wonder if it's peeling because an extreme east-sweeping current is bending the swell. It reminds me of the video that comes up if you search "Ventura Pier" CA. 4-7 foot wave faces - surfing. Almost a standing/river wave.

[@johntuttle9544]

Ya, has to be very big to huge for Casino to show. When its small it's just a puny beach break right onto shore and really isn't the named wave. But for Casino to break it has to be way bigger and then it's like an extension of Cowells but on the other side of the pier and it's the left tube breaking towards the pier. On this day it's truly huge and is also breaking way outside Casino, that's a once every 20 years kind of swell. The wave is named for the old-time game arcade at the front of the Boardwalk named "Casino" that is right across from the wave. Mythical break (aka Mysto) that can go years and years without showing. One of the best in Santa Cruz when it does.

[@ScottBallard]

I'll tell you what I think, but I for sure don't really know. I have lived and worked in this part of town for about 6 years. I watch it very intently. Like John said, has to be big, but that doesn't necessarily translate to how big it is here. I'd say out of 6 years it has only been truly surfable once. I've surfed right out in fron of the boardwalk a couple times and a buddy had a great session year before last at what I call little casino's. I have watched let's say 20 people go out and try. My guess is that most of them are not from here. I can see how strong the current is. They are constantly paddling. Also, seen some guys get pretty pummeled trying to get in. And rarely have I seen anyone other than Dan White, get a good wave. Anyway. So, size is a factor. Swell direction for sure. I think there was more west in this swell than any other year. Also, tide and sand. I think sand, or the underwater topagrphy. Maybe a shelf out there that gets activated when it big. And no telling where sand bars are going to pop up. I am at this beach at least 5 days a week. So, you gotta be here to know.