Kalamath Rivermouth is a heavy right-hand sandbar barrel at the mouth of the Klamath, the second largest river in California. It carries its own miniature ecosystem: sealife fills the water and a huge pinniped rookery sits on the land nearby. That abundance has a sharp edge, since it is also the easiest place around to get attacked by a shark, as a few surfers can testify. It is a dangerous wave that rewards experienced surfers with mind-bending barrels.
When It Works
This is a right that peels off the sandbar, usually ridden in clean swells from chest high to a few feet overhead. It draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with northwest (NW) the best match, and is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. Summer and autumn are the main seasons, though autumn is the sharkiest time of year thanks to the salmon runs.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind. The wave comes in on an incoming tide and can work through low, mid, and high, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Kalamath is strictly an expert wave. The currents and shorepound are severe, so it suits only surfers who are confident in heavy, dangerous water.
Access
There is camping nearby, with free roadside parking.
