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)	0.7	1.1	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.1	1.1	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.1	1	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.8	1.3	1.6	1.6	1.7	1.8	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.8	2	1.9	1.8	1.8	1.7	1.6	1.5	1.4	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.2	1.1	0.8	1	1	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.5
Wave direction	SW	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	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	WNW	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	NW	SSW
Wave period (s)	14.3	4.8	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.3	5.3	5.1	5	5	5	5	4.8	4.8	4.3	4.9	5.1	4.3	4.5	4.5	4.8	5.5	5.5	5.8	5.9	6.2	6.2	6.2	6	6	6	6.1	6	6	6	6.1	6.2	6.1	6	6	6	6	6.1	6.2	6	6.8	6	6	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.7	5.7	5.7	11.9
Wave energy (kJ)	212	55	87	86	84	75	69	74	70	67	70	69	61	49	33	32	32	33	19	21	27	32	97	151	181	206	245	233	208	217	244	281	269	237	227	207	181	161	146	125	120	118	120	118	109	90	64	76	65	53	44	38	34	28	27	71
Wind speed (km/h)	10.9	8	8.1	10.6	13.1	13.1	9	9.4	11.3	11.2	13	14.2	24.5	25.8	26.9	22	22.7	18.6	12.5	11.2	18.5	21.4	19.7	13.9	7.2	4.6	4.7	7.9	14.8	21.1	17.2	13.7	11.7	7.6	6.7	8.3	14.6	11.1	7.9	6.8	7.4	6.5	5.9	9.6	14.9	14	8	6	4.7	3.7	4.1	8.4	13.7	11.9	9.7	7.7
Wind direction	WCross	WCross	WSWCross-on	WSWCross-on	WCross-on	WCross	WCross-on	WCross-on	WNWCross-off	WNWCross	WNWCross-off	WNWCross	WNWCross	WNWCross	WNWCross	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	NNWCross-off	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	WNWCross-off	WCross	WNWGlassy	WSWGlassy	WSWCross-on	WNWCross	WNWCross-off	WNWCross-off	WNWCross	WCross	WSWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWOnshore	SWCross-on	WSWCross-on	WSWCross-on	WSWCross-on	WSWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	SWCross-on	WSWCross-on	WSWCross-on	WSWCross-on	WGlassy	WGlassy	WNWGlassy	WCross	WCross-on	WCross	WNWCross-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.