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.
Live updates:
Lineup Insights
The Wave
Shoreline shifts and the nearby Mad River mouth routinely move the best peaks and create unpredictable currents and rip lines.
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.
Lineup Guide
Shoreline shifts and the nearby Mad River mouth routinely move the best peaks and create unpredictable currents and rip lines.
Respect the local peak and watch for submerged hazards during lower tidal stages.
Get the full picture in WaveWise.
Stop guessing and start surfing. WaveWise analyzes live data to find your best upcoming sessions so you spend less time planning and more time paddling out.


