Capistrano Beach Pier, Dana Point Headlands and Killer Dana surf spot in the far cliff side point. The destruction of Killer Dana Point waves and inside reef breaks Hello, Much has been documented about the destruction of the world famous “Killer Dana” surf spot and adjoining surf breaks along the tall cliffside area of Dana Point in 1968-69. It was being groomed for a small boat harbor. It was awful to see the surf spots disappear, but it happened and we moved on to the next level. But, sometimes, mother nature steps in to make her presence known to all of us. During some earlier surf trips down this portion of the Orange County coastline, various places had their time in the spotlight. We were always on the lookout for spots that had possibilities and were relatively unridden. Now, some of the “older than us” local surfers probably surfed these spots without causing a big scene or notoriety. So, they remained low key for most of us driving by on our southerly surf adventures. Capistrano Beach Pier 1929 to 1965 The beginning of the Beach Road community of homes along the shoreline. There were a few times we had to stop to see the waves coming down the pier in a great shape, heading for the sandy shore. The waves were similar to Huntington Beach pier waves with the right swell. Good peaks, lines to make the ride to the shore worthwhile and steps from our surf vehicles in the parking lot. We surfed in 1962-63 time slot and had fun. But, with time and weather from mother nature, the pounding waves and tide started doing a number on the old pier pilings. After a few bashings, the officials deemed the pier to be abandoned and cordoned it off for safety. No more walking out to the end to check out the surf farther down the southerly direction on the beach. We knew and saw several surf breaks from the south side of the pier, looking south. But, those were at various “secret” spots for owners and locals at the exclusive Beach Road homes, normally not seen by passing motorists, through the homes built along the shoreline since the community began. Farther outside from the pier location during the 1964 to the present day times, the Capistrano Reef was always there. The shallow reef is well known to folks sailing out of the Dana Point Harbor. It shows up on the depth gauges and comes up fast when nearby the location in your sailing course. At extreme low tides, it is scary if it is in your track up wind. But, early tacking maneuvers take the fear of running aground away. Jnaki It is still a favorite of tourists on jet skis and local surfers on a given swell/tide condition surfing. The advantage is that it is a ridable wave that gets big. The real advantage is that if one loses a board, then the deep water area between the reef and shoreline helps keep the floating surfboard around until one can swim to gather it for the long paddle outside again. This photo/film is the intersection of the old road leading to the Capistrano Beach Pier. (to the left of the photo) The Capistrano Reef is still outside in its permanent location for eternity. Mother Nature is still playing games with the beach destruction from various tides, currents, and shoreline waves doing their thing when the storms approach the coastline. From this old photo and the start of the exclusive Beach Road oceanfront homes. To this recent photo taken from the cliff top viewing point: Very few empty lots available during these days, along the waterfront properties. Yes, it is an ocean view, pitch black at night, ocean front property area. But, it has a darker side, too. An “always ready” in the garage full of sandbags and plywood window coverings during the stormy, high tide, big wave season…YRMV
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