Santa Barbara Surf Report Archive
May 1996 Overview


After a slow start up due to a foot injury which was acquired in April, surfing began anew in warmer springsuitable waters.

West windswells filled the first two weeks of the season, followed by some strong, fun southern hemisphere swells ranging in direction from the south to the south-southeast. Water temperatures fluctuated wildly, declining back into fullsuit weather by mid-month and then slowly warming up again.

Highlights of the month were a great south-southwest groundswell session on the 17th of the month and a surprise late season winter-like swell on the 19th.

No real defining low points occurred this month, managed to stay ding-free and injury-free for the first time in a while. By the end of the month my foot had healed completely.

Out of 14 reports, got good surf about 10 times. The average wave height was in the shoulder high range.


The Reports

Santa Barbara Surfing -- Last updated 6/17/96.