Ventura County, California
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals, Ventura County, California. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sun, May 10: 1–2ft, 18s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with barely a breath of wind.
Mon, May 11: 0–1ft, 18s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 0-1ft waves and poor conditions with calm winds.
Tue, May 12: 0–1ft, 16s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 0-1ft waves and poor conditions with calm winds.
Wed, May 13: 0–1ft, 15s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 0-1ft and very poor with gentle E breeze.
Thu, May 14: 0–1ft, 17s period, rated Very Poor. A slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with calm winds. Afternoon breeze fills in to 7mph.
Free, simple, and takes 30 seconds.
Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals is a classic Southern California point break where waves peel along a rocky shoreline, offering longer, more workable rides than many nearby beach breaks. The spot picks up consistent swell from the west and southwest, with the rocky point formation creating defined wave shape and the potential for extended walls during quality swells. This scenic stretch of Ventura County coastline delivers fun intermediate-friendly waves without the intensity of heavier reef breaks, making it a rewarding destination during the best autumn swell season.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals is 1-2ft with a 17.8s swell period. Wind is WNW at 4mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals is 1-2ft, produced by a 0.9ft WSW primary swell at 6s, a 0.7ft SSW secondary swell at 18s, a 0.6ft WSW tertiary swell at 9s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals is Thursday from 5 PM to 8 PM with 2ft waves, a 6s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals works best with a W swell and E winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals is a point with a rock bottom, suited to intermediate surfers. Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals is a classic Southern California point break where waves peel along a rocky shoreline, offering longer, more workable rides than many nearby beach breaks. The spot picks up consistent swell from the west and southwest, with the rocky point formation creating defined wave shape and the potential for extended walls during quality swells. This scenic stretch of Ventura County coastline delivers fun intermediate-friendly waves without the intensity of heavier reef breaks, making it a rewarding destination during the best autumn swell season.
The prime season at Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Common hazards at Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals include rocks, sea urchins, strong currents, localism. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Little Rincon/Mussel Shoals forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
