MacKerricher surf guide

MacKerricher State Park is a stretch of about six miles of sandy beach and dunes located in California. It’s known for its tide pools, driftwood, and some rocky outcroppings, but the actual surf here can be hit or miss. Mostly, it's a standard beachbreak setup, with a few better spots like Laguna Point that can produce decent waves, especially at low tide. The best time to surf here is typically during small, clean swells, which are more frequent in late spring, summer, and early fall.

The surf at MacKerricher generally works best with swells coming from the SW and W, and it can handle sizes from about 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters). You’ll find a mix of rights and lefts, with the lefts being a bit less reliable. The bottom is varied, featuring sand and some rocks, particularly around spots like Laguna Point. Pay attention to the conditions—shorepound and currents can be tough, especially since the beach drops off steeply. For best results, aim for low to mid tide and keep an eye on the wind, which is best from the east. Intermediate surfers will find it manageable, and you can ride shortboards, funboards, longboards, or fish here.

Accessing the different surf spots is pretty straightforward. At Pudding Creek, just look for the coastal access sign about two blocks north of Elm Street. For Virgin Creek, there’s a convenient dirt parking lot right by the highway. Expect a few surfers at Virgin Creek, but most of the time, you’ll be able to enjoy the waves with minimal crowding. Just keep in mind to show respect to local surfers, especially at busier spots.