North Monastery

Fully exposed west-northwest-facing beach fronting the head of the Carmel Submarine Canyon. West and west-northwest arrive at near-full deep-water strength with northwest close behind — the canyon carries long-period energy to the sand with almost no shoaling decay, detonating as sudden, violent shorebreak on the steep berm. West-southwest is only partially softened by Point Lobos, and north-northwest retains moderate wrapped energy; only south through east are truly quiet. Even on small forecasts, watch several complete sets before committing to an entry.