Surf Forecast  Ogunquit Rivermouth

Ogunquit Rivermouth surfspot characteristics

More about Ogunquit Rivermouth surfspot

The focal point of Maine’s surfing scene for decades, this rivermouth right has the potential to provide quality rides in various conditions. A SE groundswell with a WNW wind on an incoming tide from low create the primo conditions, however the shifting sand in the flow of the rivermouth is the real quality controller. Very finicky these days, since they dredged the river to build up the beach dunes, resulting in sand being pushed back into the river from the break. The huge currents also play their part in sweeping the sand around. When it does break well, it starts from in front of the rocks and peels fast across the rivermouth onto the inside banks, where zippery walls and barrel sections can be found. A shorter left reforms and breaks into the river flow and is consistent on smaller swells.

General: The Ogunquit Rivermouth is the best-known break in Maine. The wave breaks off Lobster Point and produces long, workable rights and fast, inside lefts. The quality of the wave varies with swell direction and the shifting sand bottom -- it works well up to a few feet overhead, after which large waves tend to get mushy as they start cresting on the outer shoal. At that point, many of the locals head up to Kennebunkport. Slightly to the north of the rivermouth, the main beach provides plenty of peaks. It breaks through most any tide, except absolute high. Tides: Incoming Size: Chest high-just overhead Wind: W Swell: E Bottom: Sand Paddling: Pretty mellow in the summer but much worse in the winter when cold water and air necessitate full winter gear. Spot Rating: Can be fun with the right combination of swell, wind and tide.

Beginner to advanced.

Easy. There's a large lot at the main beach, from which you look right out at the break, but it costs upward of $30/day in summer. (Offseason is much cheaper.) You can find slightly cheaper parking at the lot on River Road or along Cottage Street in town -- just follow the big "P" signs -- but you'll have to walk a bit more to get to the waves.

Free in winter only

September through March

Crowd Factor: Thick inside the rocks, empty at the main beach. Local Vibe: Variable according to swell.

Summer brings always crowded conditions with up to 50 surfers competing for waves. Rip currents are consistent in strength but not in direction. The river used to carry the town’s sewage out to sea, but now there is a pipe running a mile out, so it can be shared over a larger area when the wind turns onshore. Unfortunately, this hasn’t changed the fact that the river carries some pollutants, especially after heavy rains and spring thaws. Parking out at the point is a lottery for one of the dozen or so free spaces, so walking from the Main Beach pay car park is the main deal.

Pretty good, except after a big rain.

Freezing water temps in Winter.