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Level 6/10

Rincon

Ventura County, USA (CA)
👥Crowded🪨Rocks👊Localism

Rincon is the Queen of the Coast—a world-class right-hand point break on the Ventura-Santa Barbara county line that produces some of California's longest, most perfect waves. When winter northwest swells wrap into this sheltered cove and north winds blow offshore, Rincon transforms into machine-like perfection, with rides connecting through multiple sections for hundreds of meters. The wave has shaped California surf culture for generations, producing champions and creating memories. The crowds are legendary when it's good, and the localism is real, but the wave quality justifies every bit of its reputation.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
WNW (290°)
Direction range
260° - 320°
Size range
1m - 3m
Ideal period
16s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
N (0°)
Offshore range
315° - 45°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
low to mid
Optimal range
0.3m - 1.2m

Water temp

15°C

Wetsuit

4/3mm fullsuit

Difficulty

6/10

Crowd level

9/10

Access: Park at Bates Beach. Short walk to point.

Getting There

Airport
SBA
Drive time
30 min

Nearby Buoy

Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.

46053 (NOAA)

Best Season

Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb

Secondary: Oct, Mar

Peak winter. Needs big NW swell to wrap into the cove.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Surfline spot guide