The Wave
When it works, the sandbar at the estuary mouth responds best to long-period S-SW groundswells with light N-NW offshore breeze.
Mid to high rising tide gives the most reliable sandbar shape and cleaner faces.
Surf GuideCalifornia
Drakes Estero
A remote rivermouth sandbar at the mouth of Drakes Estero that can throw fast, hollow lefts and rights on summer SW groundswells and is known for strong currents and occasional shark sightings. Get the latest surfing conditions, forecast, and tide details for Drakes Estero in California.
Break TypeBeach Break
Skill LevelIntermediate - Advanced
LocationCalifornia, US
Live conditions
- Waves 2-3 ft+
- Period 15 s
- Wind NW 14 kt
Tide curve (forecast)
3.2 ftfalling
- High5.4 ft
- Low0.3 ft
- High5.1 ft
- Low1.4 ft
Spot Guide
Lineup Insights
Lineup Guide
Shark activity and powerful outgoing rips make the estero a higher-consequence venue-many local surfers avoid it when seals are present.
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