Rincon, CA

MapBeginner-friendlyLive · -

7h 24m of daylight left

Sunset at 3:09 AM

Today is the peak

Don't wait — score 8.5 during the 9 AM–10 AM window. Tomorrow doesn't beat it.

GOWorth it

6.0/ 10 · Good

Best time to ride

2 AM–3 AM

Next 12 hours

Rideable and likely fun.

Good swell period
Tide window opening

Conditions

Wave

1.6 ft→

Sweet spot 3–8 ft

Period

17s→

Sweet spot 12–18 s

Wind

9 mph SW→

Onshore

Tide

Next · Low 05:39 AM

Session plan

Worth it

Rideable and likely fun.

Rincon, CA · Beginner-friendly

Peak window

2 AM–3 AM

Avg score 6.9/10

Why this score

Tide will shift conditions soon.

Wave height1.6 ft

Swell period17s

WindOnshore 9 mph

Current: 1.6 ft @ 17s • 9 mph wind. wave height is okay but not doing the heavy lifting period is strong, adding good push to the sets light wind is keeping things clean wind direction is fighting the banks and shape

Next 12 hours

Peak window 2 AM–3 AM

Today's read·Auto-generated from the forecast

Workable waist-high sets on a 17-second period. Best chance is the 2 AM–3 AM window before the low tide at 5:39 AM.

8 PM

6.01.6ft

9 PM

6.01.6ft

10 PM

6.01.7ft

11 PM

6.01.7ft

12 AM

4.51.8ft

1 AM

6.01.9ft

2 AM

6.91.9ft

3 AM

6.92.0ft

4 AM

7.52.1ft

5 AM

8.92.1ft

6 AM

9.52.1ft

7 AM

9.52.1ft

Sunrise 12:58 PM Sunset 3:09 AM

Next 5 days

Best window

Best this week

8.5/10

Saturday, Jul 18 • 9 AM–10 AM

Wave 1.8 ft

Period 16s

Wind max 9 mph

Temp 66–87°F

Saturday, Jul 18

8.5 / 10

Best: 9 AM–10 AM

Wave: 1.8 ft

Period: 16s

Wind max: 9 mph

Sunday, Jul 19

8.5 / 10

Best: 9 AM–10 AM

Wave: 1.8 ft

Period: 16s

Wind max: 9 mph

Monday, Jul 20

6.3 / 10

Best: 9 AM–10 AM

Wave: 2.4 ft

Period: 12s

Wind max: 9 mph

Tuesday, Jul 21

5.3 / 10

Best: 10 AM–11 AM

Wave: 2.1 ft

Period: 10s

Wind max: 10 mph

Wednesday, Jul 22

7.2 / 10

Best: 11 AM–12 PM

Wave: 2.1 ft

Period: 15s

Wind max: 10 mph

Day	Best window	Score	Wave	Period	Wind max	Temp
Saturday, Jul 18	9 AM–10 AM	8.5	1.8 ft	16s	9 mph	66–87°F
Sunday, Jul 19	9 AM–10 AM	8.5	1.8 ft	16s	9 mph	65–87°F
Monday, Jul 20	9 AM–10 AM	6.3	2.4 ft	12s	9 mph	—
Tuesday, Jul 21	10 AM–11 AM	5.3	2.1 ft	10s	10 mph	—
Wednesday, Jul 22	11 AM–12 PM	7.2	2.1 ft	15s	10 mph	—

Spot intelWetsuit, hazards & notes

Good for beginners today

Beginner basics

Where to go

Rincon's Cove and Indicator sections are stacked with some of California's best surfers when it's working — not a learning wave. The river-mouth inside on a tiny day is the most manageable area, but you'll still be in everyone's way.

What to avoid

Don't paddle into the main point lineup on any swell. The cobblestone takeoff is rocky at low tide and the etiquette is enforced loudly. Strong cold-water rip carries you down the point fast.

Best beginner conditions

Rincon isn't a true beginner spot. For learning in this region, head south to Carpinteria State Beach or further down to Doheny / San Onofre.

New to surfing? Read the beginner guide →

Wetsuit

Summer setup

Season-based baseline. Water temp varies week to week.

Full guide

Boardshorts / Bikini

Or 2mm top on windy mornings

2mm Springsuit / Shorty

If you get cold easily

Spot notes