A gnarly right-hand reef sitting at the top of the point just past Ulu, Boneyard takes the full force of California's winter swell and delivers it over a shallow rock reef inside a bowl of rocks. Optimal in W, NW, or N swells at 4-8ft with E or SE winds, and best ridden on an incoming mid tide when the water column is slightly more forgiving. This is strictly intermediate-to-advanced territory: the takeoff zone is tight, the rocks are unforgiving, and the locals carry a reputation that matches the wave. Bottom: rock reef. Season: September through February. Consistency: solid in winter swell season. A single wrong turn and the reef is inches below your fins, so commit to the left and don't go right unless you enjoy snapped fins or worse. Your feet will brush the reef while sitting in the lineup.
The paradox at Boneyard: crowd data reads heavy but the reef's brutality keeps the lineup thin on average days. Localism is rated intimidating. Show respect, know your surfing, and do not drop in. Beginners and kooks will be noticed and will get hurt. Dawn patrol in mid-swell helps sidestep the worst of both.
Parking is plentiful and easy near the point. Water quality is clean. The primary hazards are the shallow rock reef, heavy surf, and a protective local crew. Bring a helmet-compatible mindset and a board you can afford to ding.
Ulu sits just down the point and offers a more established lineup with similar winter swell windows. When Boneyard is too big or too shallow, Ulu's longer walls provide a safer outlet. Nearby beach peaks can also fill the gap on smaller, cleaner days.
Forecast by Windy.app
