Surfnerd Short Icon

Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals

Hourly Forecast
Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
GFS Atmos (run: 20250711 18)
GFS Wave (run: 20250712 00)
⏱️s.
⚡️kJ
🔮
🌒
Saturday 6
Sunday 7
Monday 1
Tuesday 2
Wednesday 3
Thursday 4
Join Surfnerd+
Unlock wave energy for all spots
Check 12-days ahead with Surfnerd+
🌟 Learn more on how to read a surf forecast

Primary Swell

Check 12-days ahead with Surfnerd+

Primary Swell Energy

kJ
Join Surfnerd+ to check wave energy for all spots
Join Surfnerd+

Wind

Check 12-days ahead with Surfnerd+

Tide

Check 12-days ahead with Surfnerd+

Secondary Swell

Join Surfnerd+ to check secondary swells for all spots
Join Surfnerd+

Tertiary Swell

Join Surfnerd+ to check tertiary swells for all spots
Join Surfnerd+
Join Surfnerd for free to check this forecast
Join Surfnerd to check forecasts, set your homespot, save and create spots and log your surf sessions.
Sign up with Google

Do you already have an account? Login instead.

Ideal surf conditions at Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals

Swell window
S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW
Best swell direction
W
Swell size
3ft - 12ft
Swell breaks over
Boulders, Sand
Wave types
Point
Wave directions
Right
Wind window
NE
Offshore wind
NE
Works at
Low, Mid
(Better on rising)
Skill Level
Intermediate

Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals surf guide

Little Rincon, also known as Mussel Shoals, is a rocky semi-point surf spot located just south of the oil pier leading out to Rincon Island. This small beach community can be a good option for surfers looking to escape the crowds at the more famous Rincon. While it's definitely not as consistent, it has its moments, especially during the larger winter swells. You can easily see it from the highway, so finding it is pretty straightforward.

The surf at Little Rincon tends to work best with a west swell direction, but it can handle south and northwest swells too. It usually breaks over boulders and sand, and the wave types here are predominantly right points. The spot can hold swell sizes around 3 feet (about 1 meter), and it tends to deliver hollow, fast waves when the tide is low or mid. For the best experience, northeast winds are preferred, and this spot is generally suitable for intermediate surfers who are looking for a bit of a challenge.

Accessing the waves is done through Mussel Shoals, mainly from the north end of Breakers Way or the west end of Ocean Avenue. Do keep in mind that parking is limited on these streets, so it might take a little patience to find a spot.

Surf reports and surf forecasts nearby Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals