Located in Humboldt County, California, Harbor Entrance is an excellent big wave spot that breaks right at a harbor entrance. The waves here are probably more dangerous than Mavericks as the currents are gnarlier, the lips are as powerful, and the barrel sections are longer and more prone to closing out. Wetsuits regularly get ripped of guys after wiping out. Only surfable at low tide as any current is amplified by the harbor filling and emptying. The rips usually bring you right into the impact zone. If you don’t know locals, are not super comfortable riding big heaving waves, or have a fear of great whites this is not the spot for you. There are both rights and lefts which usually start with a big roll in then stand up and throw massive barrels. Scary and intimidating waves, locals, and sharks.
What are the best surf conditions for Harbor Entrance?
Gets good from triple overhead and up. If you are surfing here bring a gun or the biggest board in your quiver, foam is your friend. This break is suitable for advanced big wave and pro surfers only, the locals will let you know if you are in the wrong spot. The surf here is not super consistent (4/10) and won’t be too crowded (3/10). The best winds are from the Southeast. Works best on massive Northwest swells. Needs a low tide to work and will work for a few minutes on either side of it, very fickle.
We recommend wearing a 5/4 here year-round. Water temperatures range between 9 and 13 year round. See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
