Gualala Rivermouth is a surf spot located along the Sonoma-Mendocino county line in Northern California. The area is known for its scenic beauty, with a dune-backed beach that can be accessed through Gualala Point Regional Park. The surf spot primarily relies on rainfall and river flow, which means the conditions can be hit or miss throughout the year. The best chances for good waves usually occur during the small swells of summer and early autumn.
The surf here can be quite varied, mainly handling swell sizes around 1 foot (0.3 meters). It's a rivermouth break that offers both left and right waves, depending on the conditions. The optimal swell directions come from the south or north, making it versatile when the weather is right. For the best experience, surfers should aim for low to mid tide and ideally catch it when the wind is coming in from the east. While it might not always deliver epic sessions, there are days when the mouth can surprise you with decent waves.
Accessing the surf at Gualala can be a bit tricky. Since the beach is divided by the county line, you’ll need to navigate through public areas like Gualala Point Regional Park. If you venture into town, keep in mind that access to the beach is mainly through adjacent restaurants and inns. If you're heading to the north side of the mouth, a little explanation may be needed while you're walking through with your surfboard. Just plan ahead, and you should find your way to the water without much hassle.