The Wave
When a long-period NW groundswell arrives with light E/NE offshore breeze the beach can produce clean, punchy sandbar peaks - best around mid-to-high tide when the river/estuary influence eases.
Surf GuideCalifornia
Mad River Beach
A long, exposed Humboldt sand-beach that only lights up on solid NW groundswells, producing short lefts and rights near the Mad River mouth. Get the latest surfing conditions, forecast, and tide details for Mad River Beach in California.
Break TypeBeach Break
Skill LevelIntermediate
LocationCalifornia, US
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Shoreline shifts and the nearby Mad River mouth routinely move the best peaks and create unpredictable currents and rip lines.
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