Overview
The Rivermouth breaks where the San Lorenzo River splits mid-town from the West Side. When river flow and swell line up, the sandbar at the mouth can throw up perfect, hollow peaks, with great rights and sometimes excellent lefts. It runs in good years and off years, depending mostly on local rainfall.
When It Works
Look for a west or northwest swell on a low-to-mid tide, when the bar is at its best. The break draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW) and is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, peeling both left and right over sand. It is an inconsistent spot, so the swell and the sandbar only come together every now and then.
Wind and Tide
The offshore wind direction is north (N). It works on low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call. Keep an eye out for rips at the mouth on an outgoing tide.
Local Tips
The Rivermouth suits intermediate surfers, and you can expect a busy lineup on the rare days it turns on. After heavy rain, runoff pollution at the mouth can get bad.
