Surf spot

Mavericks

Forecast conditions and map view for Mavericks in USA, California, San Mateo. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: USA, California, San Mateo
Coordinates: 37.4930, -122.4995

Metric
Metric	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00
Wave height (m)	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.1	1	1	0.9	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.8	1	1.4	1.4	1.6	1.7	1.8	1.7	1.7	1.7	2	2	2	1.8	1.6	1.7	1.6	1.5	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.3	1.3	1.2	1.1	1	1	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.5
Wave direction	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	NW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	SSW	S
Wave period (s)	5	5	5.3	5	5.1	5	4.8	4.5	4.3	4.3	4.4	4.5	4.5	4.8	5.2	5.2	5.9	5.8	6	6.3	6.3	6	5.9	6	6.2	6.2	6	6.4	6.2	6.1	6	5.8	5.9	6	6.1	6.2	6.2	6.2	6.2	6	6	5.9	5.9	5.9	5.9	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.7	5.5	10.9	11.9
Wave energy (kJ)	69	70	79	69	70	59	47	39	32	25	20	22	25	27	51	101	133	171	222	253	229	202	211	281	301	295	229	220	233	195	164	138	140	152	150	148	146	138	126	102	86	75	67	59	51	46	39	34	31	29	25	24	22	19	55	65
Wind speed (km/h)	9.7	8.1	8.8	13.8	20.9	24.7	26.1	22.6	19.1	21.2	19.7	26.4	26.7	29	19.6	16.1	6.9	3.7	1.4	7.2	17.2	16.3	14.3	10.7	7.1	7.3	5.4	8.5	12.5	10.7	8	6.9	6.9	8.2	8	9.2	11.6	10.4	7.4	5.8	5.5	4.7	4.2	6.6	11.6	11.2	7.3	6.1	5.4	5.5	5.6	11.4	14.7	16.6	14.3	12.7
Wind direction	WNWCross	WNWCross	WNWCross	WNWCross	WNWCross	WNWCross	WNWCross	NWCross-off	WNWCross-off	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	WNWCross-off	WNWCross-off	WNWCross-off	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	NGlassy	EGlassy	NNWOffshore	WNWCross-off	WNWCross	WNWCross	WNWCross	WSWCross-on	WCross-on	SWOnshore	SSWOnshore	SWCross-on	WSWCross-on	WSWCross-on	SWOnshore	SSWOnshore	SSWOnshore	SOnshore	SSWOnshore	SWOnshore	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	SSWOnshore	SSWOnshore	SSWGlassy	SSWGlassy	SWCross-on	WSWCross-on	WSWCross-on	WCross-on	WCross	WCross-on	WCross	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	WNWCross	WNWCross	NWCross-off	NWCross-off

Mavericks is one of the most famous big-wave surf spots in the world, located off the coast of Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County, California, USA.

Quick description

Type of break: Big-wave reef/point-style break over a shallow underwater reef
Wave quality: Powerful, heavy, and highly dangerous
Best for: Experienced big-wave surfers only
Typical conditions: Works best during large winter swells, especially from the northwest
Water temperature: Cold year-round, usually requiring a thick wetsuit or full winter gear

What makes Mavericks special

Mavericks is known for producing massive, thick waves that can rise to 20–30 feet or more, with rare swells creating even larger surf. The wave is famous for its steep takeoff, strong currents, and intense hold-downs, making it one of the most challenging surf spots in the world.

Surfing conditions

Wave shape: Can be hollow and powerful, often breaking with a heavy face and fast section
Hazards: Shallow reef, strong currents, cold water, rocky surroundings, and extreme wave force
Crowds: Usually smaller crowds due to the danger and skill required
Season: Peak surf season is generally late fall through winter

Atmosphere

Mavericks has a legendary reputation in surfing culture. It’s not just a surf break but a symbol of big-wave surfing, drawing elite surfers, photographers, and spectators when conditions are on.