Murphy's
- Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Murphy's is an ultra-rare right-hand point break off Point Mugu. The wave is prized for hollow, powerful right-hand sections, but it only comes together on a small number of days per year and depends on getting the swell angle and timing right. Access and conditions are technical. The lineup sits over a rocky bottom with exposed rocks at low tide, and both providers note that entrance and egress can be difficult. Hazards cited for the spot include rocks and, occasionally, kelp, along with risks from strong longshore drift during larger swells and rip-current potential. Wind can make or break the quality. Sources indicate it’s best with offshore northeast to east winds (light offshore flow keeps it clean). Northwest winds are described as tending to blow it out, so even when the swell is present, wind direction is critical. For surfers, the most reliable window is winter—especially January—and the working setups are tied to low-tide conditions and solid West swells. When the point is wrapping correctly, reports include the potential for 50–150m rides on good days (with shorter rides on less favorable days). Given the rocky hazards and lack of on-site rescue, experienced intermediate surfers are most appropriate, with caution and proper protective gear.
- Ultra-rare right-hand point break with hollow, powerful waves when firing
- Best with offshore northeast/east winds
- Winter (especially January) is the key month
- High-quality right-hand point break with powerful/hollow waves when it fires.
- Offshore northeast/east winds tend to keep it cleaner when it aligns properly with swell.
- Ultra-rare/fickle: reported as breaking only about 5 days per year and requiring a very specific swell angle.
- Rocky, technical access with difficult entrance and exit.
- Works only when the tide/swell align (low tide is specifically emphasized).
- No lifeguard/rescue coverage at the spot; hazardous bottom and potential currents.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NNE, NE, ENE, E
- Offshore directions
- NE, NNE, ENE, E
- Wind Range
- 5–12 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Typical offshore-leaning northeast flow with a mix of directions reported; sources describe it as gradient-driven.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January
- Shadow Zones
- Nearby cliffs can provide some protection from Northwesterly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Pebble — Also described as rocky/cobblestone bottom.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Sources describe medium surf; also referenced as working with 5–6 ft+ west swells and occasional larger sizes.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline with a narrow entry point that depends on tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Technical access with difficult entrance/egress, especially around low tide.
Through the year
Moderately crowded on weekends or during peak winter swells.
Rainy season typically occurs from December through March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Ultra-rare right-hand point break off Point Mugu with hollow, powerful waves; works only on the right low-tide setup and specific swell angles.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W
- Swell Height
- 1.2–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Also reported as working best around mid tide depending on swell alignment; low tide is specifically called out as necessary for the best setups.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed point; limited protection from swell and wind.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with light offshore winds from the Northeast or East; Northwest winds typically blow it out.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles size well but can become difficult to paddle out against stronger currents; also affected by longshore drift on larger swells.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Generally described as excellent/good when it wraps into the point correctly.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Also described as peeling depending on swell/tide alignment.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Can be short on poor days; up to 50–150m reported when conditions align.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal length 50–150m on good days; short (<50m) normally. Can offer longer peeling sections when swell and tide align.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Murphy's in the full forecast view.
Murphy's wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- W261°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 248 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.6 m11s period
- Temperature
- 14–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Murphy's is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.7–1.6 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- kelp
- rip currents
- longshore drift
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- No rescue at the spot; in an emergency, use 911. Nearest major medical facilities are in Oxnard or Malibu.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.
- Wait for a solid West swell for the point to start working properly.
- Take care of rocks—entrance and egress can be difficult.
- Booties are recommended due to the rocky entry and bottom.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Oxnard
- Nearest Town
- Point Mugu
- Parking
- Limited shoulder parking along Pacific Coast Highway; parking next to Mugu Rock.
- Public Transport
- Limited public bus service via Gold Coast Transit; a private vehicle is essential for accessing most points along this coastline.
- Access
- Park next to Mugu Rock and climb down the boulders; entrance and egress can be difficult. Accessible via Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping is available at nearby state parks such as Point Mugu State Park; other options include nearby Oxnard or Malibu.
- Food & Drink
- Limited options directly at the spot; more choices available a short drive north or south.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental widely available in Ventura and Malibu; on-site rental at more remote launches is uncommon.
- Gear Storage
- Generally unavailable on-site.
- Gear Repair
- Full-service board and kite repair options are available in the city of Ventura.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Rugged coastal scenery and an active outdoor culture, with nearby state parks and protected marine areas for hiking and marine adventures.
Large state park featuring hiking trails, jagged cliffs, and sandy beaches.
Exhibits detailing the history of the Central Coast and local Chumash culture.
Accessible via ferry for hiking, kayaking, and diving in a pristine marine environment.
Iconic seafood restaurant and biker hangout located directly across from the surf.
Waterfront shopping and dining area with boat rentals and kid-friendly beaches.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Murphy's?
The best overall months at Murphy's are January.
Which wind directions work at Murphy's?
Murphy's works with NNE, NE, ENE, E winds. Offshore directions are NE, NNE, ENE, E.
What skill level is Murphy's suitable for?
Murphy's suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.