Surf: A classic, righthand barrel when it’s on, although good lefts too have been surfed here over the years. As with all other rivermouths, the spot is slave to the river’s flow and the shape of the sandbar. Fires on small, clean swells from the SW to W but is sensitive to tidal shifts. Environment: Easily seen from Hwy 1. Really only a summer/autumn break, it is shallow with lots of currents and sea life. Shark infested. The sandspit here is a seal pup haul-out, but it’s illegal for you to approach them. Questionable water quality from the Russian River. Surf: General: The Russian Rivermouth will either love you or hate you, since it's fickle and erratic with its dependency on proper sand flow to create an epic bar. When the Rivermouth is on, the wave itself is typically a right barrel, shallow, with lots of currents. It can be insanely good, but really only during the summer and early autumn. Big swells don't mix with the Russian Rivermouth, so wait for a small, clean pulse accompanied by light E winds and an incoming tide. Tides: Incoming Size: Waist high-overhead Wind: E, NE Swell: W, SW Bottom: Sand Paddling: Not too bad. Spot Rating: Fun. Access: Easy. At the sign on Highway 1 signaling toward Goat Rock, turn west onto State Park Road and drive to its end. From there, you simply hop out of your car and walk over to the mouth. Crowds: Crowd Factor: You can have it to yourself, or share it with a few locals. Local Vibe: If there's anyone else out, the vibe's usually a little unpleasant at first, but if you make some small-talk with that solemn bearded guy wearing a helmet, things could take a turn for the better. Environment: Little muck here and there, but mostly fine. Hazards: Sharks, duh... Season: June-November