California, USA
California's 'Queen of the Coast' - a perfectly groomed right-hand point.
| Wave height | 3.7 ft (3-5 ft) |
| Swell period | 10 sec |
| Swell direction | 278° |
| Wind | NE offshore 4.1 kt |
| Tide | mid / optimal |
| Surf score | 70 / 100 |
Rincon Point sits at the Santa Barbara / Ventura County line and is one of the most consistent quality right-hand points on the US west coast when winter west and northwest swells line up. On the right day, the ideal swell window runs from W–NW (270–315°); groundswell with periods around 10–18s gives it the most shape; the wave is comfortably workable up to roughly 12 ft on the face. Best winds are N or NE, with E or NW still rideable. Tide influences the wave moderately, so timing the swing helps line up the better sets. The sweet spot in our data sits between roughly 0.8 m and 2 m of tide height. Consistency is moderate - good days come in pulses tied to incoming swells. Expect cool water best surfed in a full wetsuit. Expect a busy lineup, particularly during the prime season. Logistically, it is about 35 minutes from SBA airport. It is best suited to surfers with a few seasons of overhead experience who can pick their lines under pressure. Board-wise, locals lean on pointbreak board / step-up on size.
The best window is typically Nov–Apr, when swells from W–NW (270–315°) are most consistent.
Rincon is best from waist-high to double-overhead on a clean west or northwest groundswell.
It can be friendly on small days, but the lineup is usually competitive and not the best fit for first-timers.