Ogunquit River Surf Guide

The focal point of Maine's surfing scene for decades, this rivermouth right has the potential to provide quality rides in various conditions. A SE groundswell with a WNW wind on an incoming tide from low create the primo conditions, however the shifting sand in the flow of the rivermouth is the real quality controller. Very finicky these days, since they dredged the river to build up the beach dunes, resulting in sand being pushed back into the river from the break. The huge currents also play their part in sweeping the sand around. When it does break well, it starts from in front of the rocks and peels fast across the rivermouth onto the inside banks, where zippery walls and barrel sections can be found. A shorter left reforms and breaks into the river flow and is consistent on smaller swells.

Summer brings always crowded conditions with up to 50 surfers competing for waves. Rip currents are consistent in strength but not in direction. The river used to carry the town's sewage out to sea, but now there is a pipe running a mile out, so it can be shared over a larger area when the wind turns onshore. Unfortunately, this hasn?t changed the fact that the river carries some pollutants, especially after heavy rains and spring thaws. Parking out at the point is a lottery for one of the dozen or so free spaces, so walking from the Main Beach pay car park is the main deal.