Coming from New York... is it too cold at this beach to get in the water ?

Yes, unless you wear a wet suit, surfing.

I've lived in California my whole life and I've never gotten used to the water. It's just too cold but when I go to the coast there are lots of people in the water. Just depends on your tolerance level.

Yes, locals use wetsuits. Others just jump in.

Yes, usually need wet suit if doing more than wading

The air temp is usually cooler in Monterey than most of Central or Southern Cal. But water temps are not much different than Santa Cruz. Water is good to splash and run in for a while, just have a towel ready. Lol