THE BEST SURF SPOTS IN CALIFORNIA
The most popular worldwide are:
One for seasoned professionals, Black’s Beach is one of the most powerful breaks in California and comes complete with strong currents, so is not suitable for beginners.
San Diego’s best surfers flock here, which should give you some idea of the frequency and quality of sets, but be warned - it can get crowded at the weekend.
Getting there: Fly to San Diego International Airport. Take a cab to the Torrey Pines Glider Port and expect a 15-20 minute walk to the beach. Best to follow a local, as this spot can be hard to find.
Surfrider Beach, Malibu
Grab a longboard and surf Beach Boys style on these small perfectly formed crests where Johnny Fain and Miki Dora once surfed in the 1950s. However, expect it to be absolutely rammed for exactly this reason.Getting there: Fly into Longbeach Airport or Los Angeles International Airport and head to the Pacific Coast Highway.
BAY AREA
Surf Spots In Santa Cruz
SurfSpot | Photos | Quality | Wave direction | Wave type | Crowd level |
38th | 0 | 4 | Right | Point break | Can Get Busy |
Cowells | 1 | 4 | Right | Reef break | Packed |
Manresa | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Beach break | Not Too Bad |
Steamer Lane | 12 | 5 | Right | Point break | Busy |
The Hook | 0 | 1 | Right | Point break | Can Get Busy |
The Rivermouth | 0 | 4 | Right & left | Rivermouth | Can Get Busy |
The Wharf | 1 | 3 | Right & left | Beach break | Can Get Busy |
Waddell Creek | 2 | 3 | Right & left | Reef break | Busy |
Wind and Sea | 0 | 4 | Right & left | Reef break | Not Too Bad |
Consistent spot with the sand & rock bottom with no hazards for intermediate surfers.
COWELLS
Cowells. Great place to longboard and learn to surf. Cowells is actually just inside of the several peaks that comprise Steamers Lane and is well-known as the best beginner's surf spot in Santa Cruz.
Best time to go at low tide. It has a sand & rock bottom, no hazards.
How to get there:
West Cliff or Cowell's Beach. Break is right next to Santa Cruz Pier
When its Flat?
high tide
West Cliff or Cowell's Beach. Break is right next to Santa Cruz Pier
When its Flat?
high tide
MANRESA
Another begginers spot with sandy bottom and no hazards.
STEAMER LANE
Steamer Lane is a famous surfing location in Santa Cruz, California. It is just off a point on the side of cliffs in the West Cliff residential area near downtown Santa Cruz, providing easy access and a good vantage point for viewing. It has sand & rock bottom and the only hazards are locals ;) It's good for intermediate surfers. (Taken off Wiki)
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic series includes Steamer Lane as one of the stops. The competition takes place at the beginning of November each year.
THE HOOK
It's located At the end of 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz. It has sand & rock bottom, no hazards. Good for intermediate surfers.
THE RIVERMOUTH
The San Lorenzo Rivermouth is a very inconsistant wave. It only developes a sand bar when the Santa Cruz mountains receive a hefty amount of rain. But when the sand bar sets in, this wave rivals any on the West Side. When going off, the peak starts about a 1/4 mile offshore and peels in both directions. Low tide you can get some barrels but for the most part its a steep ledgy wave made for carves. Only real dangers are Locals, Turds and the occasional seal swimming in/out of the mouth. It has sandy bottom and it's good for intermediate surfers.
How to get there:
Go to the boardwalk beach and look left. if its pumping you will know.
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
Parking is a little hard to find on the weekends. But a week day no problem.
Where to Stay:
Any one of the hotels off of beach Street.
Surf Schools:
Richard Scmidtt is down the beach at cowells
THE WHARF
The Wharf is my favorite wave on the West Side. It does not break consistant, and it usually needs a descent swell and low tide for it to work. But its hollow and fairly fast. The left breaks right next to the wharf and the right usually breaks on a sand bar 50-100 yards down the beach. It has a sandy bottom and it's good for intermediate surfers. Locals, Barking Seal's and Tourist's are the only hazards.
WADDEL CREEK
WIND AND SEA
Go to the boardwalk beach and look left. if its pumping you will know.
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
Parking is a little hard to find on the weekends. But a week day no problem.
Where to Stay:
Any one of the hotels off of beach Street.
Surf Schools:
Richard Scmidtt is down the beach at cowells
THE WHARF
The Wharf is my favorite wave on the West Side. It does not break consistant, and it usually needs a descent swell and low tide for it to work. But its hollow and fairly fast. The left breaks right next to the wharf and the right usually breaks on a sand bar 50-100 yards down the beach. It has a sandy bottom and it's good for intermediate surfers. Locals, Barking Seal's and Tourist's are the only hazards.
How to get there:
Go to the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
Parking lot with meters. If you get a ticket from an empty meter its ganna cost you $40.00.
Where to Stay:
Anywhere off of Beach Street
Surf Schools:
Cowells surf school
Go to the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
Parking lot with meters. If you get a ticket from an empty meter its ganna cost you $40.00.
Where to Stay:
Anywhere off of Beach Street
Surf Schools:
Cowells surf school
WADDEL CREEK
Waddell Creek has a number of reef and beach breaks with a rivermouth in the middle for good luck. It has a sand and rock bottom, the only hazards are sharks.
It works in a small swell and will hold decent size. Smaller days are suitable for beginners.
It works in a small swell and will hold decent size. Smaller days are suitable for beginners.
WIND AND SEA
Bowly left that sporadically A-frames on the lower >2.0 tides. Picks up S-SW swells very well and consistently breaks year round. Although locals can be a bit eggy and the rocks are close it can make your day with a thick spit-out barrel.
It's good for intermediate surfers.
Surf Spots In San Mateo
SurfSpot | Photos | Quality | Wave direction | Wave type | Crowd level |
Mavericks | 9 | 5 | Right | Reef break | Not Too Bad |
Princeton Jetty | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Beach break | Not Too Bad |
The water is cold and shark infested, and the wave itself has claimed lives.
It is only for the most experienced big wave surfers.
The cliffs overlooking the break provide a great view of this powerful cold water monster.
The cliffs overlooking the break provide a great view of this powerful cold water monster.
PRINCETON JETTY
Good beach break 1 mile south of Half Moon Bay Brewing Company along 1/Cabrillo HWY.
Can be inconsistent at times, but most days there is something to ride.
Can be inconsistent at times, but most days there is something to ride.
Usually 2-4 feet, but can be 5-7.
Rips in several areas, but they are narrow and easy to get out of.
The break close to the jetty goes good and has great shape, but is usually crowded with local kids. You can get good waves on the outside no problem!
BOLINAS
Good, protected bay for beginners to practice. Can occasionally get "good" a few times a year. The problem is that Duxbury Reef blocks most of the west and northwest swells, so it is usually much smaller than other places on the coast. This can be fine if the surf is gigantic everywhere, as Bolinas may then be manageable, but it often just means that Bolinas will be tiny or flat. It has a sand & rock bottom and it's good for the beginners.
STINSON
It has a sandy bottom, no hazards and it's good for intermediate surfers because it's empty.
GAVIOTA
SURF
It has fairly good waves, sandy bottom, no hazards, so it's good for beginners.
PATRICKS POINT
Works on large swells, and can go from overhead to well over 20 feet.
It's a spot for big wave riders only when there's a serious swell.
The point works best on a full on westerly swell. It has a rock and sand bottom.
BALLONA CREEK
On those really big days when the beach breaks are closing out in great walls of green and white, the swell is coming from the south, head for Ballona Creek. The take off can be sketchy as your near the end of the jetty, but drop in and you can ride nearly to the bridge on a fairly fast, steep but mushy wave. Lots of fun to ride, paddle to north side of the channel for a clear shot at getting back in the lineup. Fun place to surf when its working, but that is rare. It has a sandy bottom and it' s good for intermediate surfers.
BAY STREET
A good beginning beach break, as evidenced by all the schools and teachers who teach here. It has sandy bottom.
COUNTY LINE
Fun break, can get steep and hollow. It has boulders on the bottom and it's good for intermediate surfers.
EL PORTO
Probably one of the best beach breaks in the entire L.A. area. The rest pretty much suck. Golden afternoons spent there, produces sweet tubes if the conditions are right. It has no hazards, sandy bottom and it's good for intermediate surfers.
FRIED FISH
It has nice, fun waves, sand and rocks on the bottom. There're no hazards. It's good for intermediate surfers.
GILLIS
More at:
Surf Spots In Marin County
SurfSpot | Photos | Quality | Wave direction | Wave type | Crowd level |
Bolinas | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Beach break | Packed |
Stinson | 0 | 2 | Right & left | Beach break | Empty |
Good, protected bay for beginners to practice. Can occasionally get "good" a few times a year. The problem is that Duxbury Reef blocks most of the west and northwest swells, so it is usually much smaller than other places on the coast. This can be fine if the surf is gigantic everywhere, as Bolinas may then be manageable, but it often just means that Bolinas will be tiny or flat. It has a sand & rock bottom and it's good for the beginners.
STINSON
It has a sandy bottom, no hazards and it's good for intermediate surfers because it's empty.
CENTRAL COAST
Surf Spots In Monterey
SurfSpot | Photos | Quality | Wave direction | Wave type | Crowd level |
Asilomar | 0 | 1 | Right & left | Reef break | Not Too Bad |
Big Sur | 0 | 3 | Right | Point break | Can Get Busy |
Carmel by the Sea | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Beach break | Mental |
ASILOMAR
Finicky wave that can create great sessions.
Very exposed so any wind kills this spot. It has sandy bottom, no hazards and it's good for intermediate surfers.
How to get there:
Driver along 17 mile drive and you can't fail to see it. Park by the beach
When its Flat?
Summer months, it's windy in the afternoon and flat in the morning.
Driver along 17 mile drive and you can't fail to see it. Park by the beach
When its Flat?
Summer months, it's windy in the afternoon and flat in the morning.
BIG SUR
If you can find it youll be shredding your own Point break wave here- Not to hard to find- but Knowing what swell degrees is the key here- Awesome atmosphere for hiking, camping, tripping or anything else that can be done outdoors- If you Show up with more than 3 People your going to be told to leave and that sucks because there a chicks that bath topless sometimes here!!!
It has sand and rocks bottom and has many hazards as: Locals, Rocks, Sharks, Seals, Rips. BTW you are not on top of the food change when you enter the water here....it's for the advanced surfers only!!!
How to get there:
Highway 1-Big Sur- The rest is up too you-Happy Hunting
Highway 1-Big Sur- The rest is up too you-Happy Hunting
CARMEL BY THE SEA
Carmel is the best spot in NorCal.
How to get there:
Follow the signs
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
No problem
Where to Stay:
Highlands Inn
Equipment Hire:
Club Ed ?
Surf Schools:
again, Club Ed ?
When its Flat?
320 day's a year
CAYUKOS
Follow the signs
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
No problem
Where to Stay:
Highlands Inn
Equipment Hire:
Club Ed ?
Surf Schools:
again, Club Ed ?
When its Flat?
320 day's a year
Surf Spots In San Luis Obispo
SurfSpot | Photos | Quality | Wave direction | Wave type | Crowd level |
Cayucos | 1 | 3 | Right & left | Beach break | Not Too Bad |
CAYUKOS
Beach break. Almost never crowded. If it is, there's plenty of room all along the beach. The mostly seened type of wave is beach break and the direction of it is right and left. It has a sandy botton and it's good for for intermediate surfers.
Surf Spots In Santa Barbara
SurfSpot | Photos | Quality | Wave direction | Wave type | Crowd level |
Gaviota | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Rivermouth | Can Get Busy |
Summerland | 0 | 3 | Right | Reef break | Can Get Busy |
surf | 0 | 2 | Right & left | Beach break | Not Too Bad |
GAVIOTA
Takes a strong south swell. Rocky/sandy, peak to the north of the pier was breaking fair when I was there. Interesting break, was fairly hollow inside, outside was kind of mushy. It's good for intermediate surfers.
How to get there:
Just park in the lot.
Where to Stay:
Camp or drive from Santa Barbara/Goleta areas.
Equipment Hire:
Bring your own gear, this is fairly remote location.
When its Flat?
Strong north swell will flatten the area if it makes it around the Channel Islands.
SUMMERLAND
Just park in the lot.
Where to Stay:
Camp or drive from Santa Barbara/Goleta areas.
Equipment Hire:
Bring your own gear, this is fairly remote location.
When its Flat?
Strong north swell will flatten the area if it makes it around the Channel Islands.
SUMMERLAND
South swell produces some nice rights, rocky/sandy bottom. It has no hazards and it's good for intermediate surfers.
SURF
It has fairly giid waves, sandy bottom, beach brake wave with right and left direction. There are no hazaqrds, s it's great for the beginners.
SURF
It has fairly good waves, sandy bottom, no hazards, so it's good for beginners.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Surf Spots In Del Norte
SurfSpot | Photos | Quality | Wave direction | Wave type | Crowd level |
Whalers Island | 0 | 3 | Right | Reef break | Can Get Busy |
WHALERS ISLAND
Right hand reef break breaking off of Whalers Island, need good size west swell and best on a low incoming tide. It has boulders at the bottom. The main hazards are rocks and Locals. This spot is good for advanced surfers only.
Surf Spots In Humboldt County
SurfSpot | Photos | Quality | Wave direction | Wave type | Crowd level |
Patricks Point | 0 | 4 | Left | Point break | Not Too Bad |
PATRICKS POINT
Works on large swells, and can go from overhead to well over 20 feet.
It's a spot for big wave riders only when there's a serious swell.
The point works best on a full on westerly swell. It has a rock and sand bottom.
How to get there:
Exit 101 at Patrick's Point Drive and make your way to the park entrance. It's all signposted, no worries here.
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
Have to hike in through the forest to reach the spot. No access by car.
Where to Stay:
You can camp in the park.
Equipment Hire:
Forget about it.
Surf Schools:
Nothing, and not the place for surf schools anyway.
When its Flat?
Great scenery and great hiking.
Exit 101 at Patrick's Point Drive and make your way to the park entrance. It's all signposted, no worries here.
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
Have to hike in through the forest to reach the spot. No access by car.
Where to Stay:
You can camp in the park.
Equipment Hire:
Forget about it.
Surf Schools:
Nothing, and not the place for surf schools anyway.
When its Flat?
Great scenery and great hiking.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles County has so many surf spots and so many talented surfers. Top spots include greats like Malibu and Zuma, and has been home to some world famous surfers like Miki Dora.
Surf Spots In Los Angeles County
SurfSpot | Photos | Quality | Wave direction | Wave type | Crowd level |
Ballona Creek | 0 | 4 | Left | Breakwater / groyne | Busy |
Bay Street | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Beach break | Can Get Busy |
County Line | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Reef break | Busy |
El Porto | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Beach break | Busy |
Fried Fish | 0 | 4 | Right | Point break | Not Too Bad |
Gillis | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Breakwater / groyne | Can Get Busy |
Hermosa Beach Pier | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Breakwater / groyne | Busy |
Indicator | 0 | 4 | Right & left | Reef break | Can Get Busy |
Leo Carrillo | 1 | 3 | Right | Reef break | Busy |
Little Dume | 0 | 4 | Right | Point break | Can Get Busy |
Malibu Point | 2 | 4 | Right | Reef break | Mental |
Manhattan Pier | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Breakwater / groyne | Busy |
Point Dume | 0 | 3 | Right | Point break | Can Get Busy |
Rat Beach | 1 | 2 | Right & left | Reef break | Not Too Bad |
Redondo Breakwater | 0 | 4 | Left | Breakwater / groyne | Busy |
Seal Beach Jetty | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Rivermouth | Can Get Busy |
Shit Pipe | 0 | 3 | Left | Breakwater / groyne | Can Get Busy |
Sunset | 0 | 2 | Right & left | Reef break | Busy |
Toes Jetty | 0 | 3 | Left | Breakwater / groyne | Busy |
Topanga | 0 | 4 | Right | Point break | Busy |
Venice Pier | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Beach break | Can Get Busy |
Zeros | 0 | 3 | Right & left | Point break | Busy |
Zuma classic | 2 | 4 | Right & left | Reef break | Packed |
BALLONA CREEK
On those really big days when the beach breaks are closing out in great walls of green and white, the swell is coming from the south, head for Ballona Creek. The take off can be sketchy as your near the end of the jetty, but drop in and you can ride nearly to the bridge on a fairly fast, steep but mushy wave. Lots of fun to ride, paddle to north side of the channel for a clear shot at getting back in the lineup. Fun place to surf when its working, but that is rare. It has a sandy bottom and it' s good for intermediate surfers.
BAY STREET
A good beginning beach break, as evidenced by all the schools and teachers who teach here. It has sandy bottom.
COUNTY LINE
Fun break, can get steep and hollow. It has boulders on the bottom and it's good for intermediate surfers.
EL PORTO
Probably one of the best beach breaks in the entire L.A. area. The rest pretty much suck. Golden afternoons spent there, produces sweet tubes if the conditions are right. It has no hazards, sandy bottom and it's good for intermediate surfers.
FRIED FISH
It has nice, fun waves, sand and rocks on the bottom. There're no hazards. It's good for intermediate surfers.
GILLIS
A beach break with jetty. Mostly sandy. Waves break close to rock jetty. Requires adequate skill. This is one of the only places that actually breaks when a swell comes in above El Porto in Los Angeles county. Rarely breaks.
It's good for intermediate surfers.
HERMOSA BEACH PIER
Bit more challenging than most piers, steeper and faster generally. It has sandy bottom and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
INDICATOR
Back in the day... there were no houses on the hilltops. The trail down the cliffs was steep and rocky. Very few people out unless it was big, then the whole world showed up. Was a great place to learn to surf big waves. It has boulders on the bottom and it'll be good only for advanced surfers.
LEO CARILLO
Birthplace of Gidget. Also known as Secos. It has boulders on the bottom, no hazards and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
How to get there:
About 2 miles south of Ventura County Line and south of Staircase.
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
Free parking on street or pay across to park at Leo Carillo State park across the street.
Where to Stay:
Any where in Malibu
When its Flat?
Unless there is a swell surf is usually 1-3 feet, but when a swell comes in it can get up to 5-6 feet.
LITTLE DUME
A perfect right, need key to get in. LOCALS ONLY (yeah, that'll keep people out). Flawless. It has a rocky reef and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
About 2 miles south of Ventura County Line and south of Staircase.
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
Free parking on street or pay across to park at Leo Carillo State park across the street.
Where to Stay:
Any where in Malibu
When its Flat?
Unless there is a swell surf is usually 1-3 feet, but when a swell comes in it can get up to 5-6 feet.
LITTLE DUME
A perfect right, need key to get in. LOCALS ONLY (yeah, that'll keep people out). Flawless. It has a rocky reef and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
MALIBU POINT
The mighty Bu. Legends rode here. Now, everyone rides here.
A great small righthander that breaks along the point at Malibu.
A great small righthander that breaks along the point at Malibu.
It has sandy bottom and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
The only hazard is pollution...
How to get there:
Look for Malibu Pier and Jack in the Box along Pacific Coast Highway.
The point extends north of it.
MANHATTAN PIER
Turns a short, quick left off the sand on the north side of the pier, rights can also be had. Works best on a SW swell. It has no hazards and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
POINT DUME
Good with big swells. But its dangerous and localized like mad.
Look for Malibu Pier and Jack in the Box along Pacific Coast Highway.
The point extends north of it.
MANHATTAN PIER
Turns a short, quick left off the sand on the north side of the pier, rights can also be had. Works best on a SW swell. It has no hazards and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
POINT DUME
Good with big swells. But its dangerous and localized like mad.
How to get there:
You can't (unless local)
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
$8,000,000 for one of the smaller houses
Where to Stay:
stay in the valley
When its Flat?
The only swells that can make it have a good shape is a soouth swell.
RAT BEACH
Quiet beach, good place to see dolphins.
decent place for beginners and people with some experience.
Nice people and not too much "locals only" tude.
It has bottom made of sand and rocks, no hazards.
It'll be good for the beginners.
You can't (unless local)
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
$8,000,000 for one of the smaller houses
Where to Stay:
stay in the valley
When its Flat?
The only swells that can make it have a good shape is a soouth swell.
RAT BEACH
Quiet beach, good place to see dolphins.
decent place for beginners and people with some experience.
Nice people and not too much "locals only" tude.
It has bottom made of sand and rocks, no hazards.
It'll be good for the beginners.
How to get there:
long steep trail, mostly paved
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
parking is goo
When its Flat?
high tide
REDONDO BREAKWATER
When it's big and working, great place to surf. Legends were born here.
It has sandy bottom, no hazards but it's for advanced surfers only.
SEAL BEACH JETTY
Mean bowl forms at the peak, drop in is fast and fun when conditions are right.
It has sandy bottom, no hazards and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
SHIT PIPE
Got it's name from the pipe leading out to sea. The "Hyperion" plant is actually a sewage treatment center. It has sandy bottom, no hazards and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
SUNSET
Topanga is a step up from Sunset. It's a locals heavy wave that can get very intense and powerful during a good swell. If you find Sunset is still challenging don't come to Topanga. Also, if you're coming to Topanga be respectful and observe surf etiquette.
long steep trail, mostly paved
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
parking is goo
When its Flat?
high tide
REDONDO BREAKWATER
When it's big and working, great place to surf. Legends were born here.
It has sandy bottom, no hazards but it's for advanced surfers only.
SEAL BEACH JETTY
Mean bowl forms at the peak, drop in is fast and fun when conditions are right.
It has sandy bottom, no hazards and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
SHIT PIPE
Got it's name from the pipe leading out to sea. The "Hyperion" plant is actually a sewage treatment center. It has sandy bottom, no hazards and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
SUNSET
Reef/Point break. The bottom is made of boulders. The hazards are rocks and pollution but it'll fine for beginners.
TOES JETTY
This is basically where you can learn to surf. It has sandy bottom. There was a burger place called The Shack which achieved a certain amount of notoriety and fame, some of visitors used to tank up on the goods and surf from dawn until dusk.
TOPANGA
Topanga is a step up from Sunset. It's a locals heavy wave that can get very intense and powerful during a good swell. If you find Sunset is still challenging don't come to Topanga. Also, if you're coming to Topanga be respectful and observe surf etiquette.
VENICE PIER
Seems to dump/close on a swell that is more out of the west. Decent on a south swell. Pier has the best shape mid tide. Larger swells mostly close it out.
It has sandy bottom, no hazards and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
How to get there:
end of washington st
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
lot street
ZEROS
Point break with a sand and rock bottom. Breaks left and right, the left hand is more of a beach break. Its really a sandbar, but not a beach break.
Not sure if a river flows, but maybe. It has no hazards and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
ZUMA CLASSIC
Fun spot, awesome waves, gets big, takes a bit of getting used too, and lots of people but it's steel fun. It has sandy bottom. Hazards: rips.
It'll be goof for intermediate surfers.
There're plenty of surf schools.
end of washington st
Access & Parking Info / Cost:
lot street
ZEROS
Point break with a sand and rock bottom. Breaks left and right, the left hand is more of a beach break. Its really a sandbar, but not a beach break.
Not sure if a river flows, but maybe. It has no hazards and it'll be good for intermediate surfers.
ZUMA CLASSIC
Fun spot, awesome waves, gets big, takes a bit of getting used too, and lots of people but it's steel fun. It has sandy bottom. Hazards: rips.
It'll be goof for intermediate surfers.
There're plenty of surf schools.
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