Rincon
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.
Rincon surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to SBA, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when North America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in North America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Rincon trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Direction range
- 260° - 320°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Rincon?
The Rincon profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Rincon?
The Rincon profile uses wind from N (0°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 315° to 45°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Rincon?
The Rincon scoring profile favors swell from WNW (260° to 320°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Rincon?
The main season at Rincon is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Oct, Mar. Peak winter. Needs big NW swell to wrap into the cove.
How do I get to Rincon?
The spot profile lists SBA as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 30 minutes. Park at Bates Beach. Short walk to point.
What kind of wave is Rincon?
Rincon is a point break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Peak winter. Needs big NW swell to wrap into the cove.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Malibu
🏄 California icon • Surfboard birthplace • Summer perfection
Jalama
🌬️ Wind-swept isolation • Central Coast secret • Morning essential
Huntington Beach
🇺🇸 Surf City USA • US Open home • California quintessential
The Wedge
⚠️ Newport's beast • Jetty wedge chaos • Shore break fury