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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Advanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 4/3mmMay–Sep: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Moderately crowded on weekends or during peak winter swells.

Storm/Rain Season

Rainy season typically occurs from December through March.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Point break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsLeashImpact vest

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Rugged coastal scenery and an active outdoor culture, with nearby state parks and protected marine areas for hiking and marine adventures.

Best time to visit: Autumn for best weather and surf conditions, or late spring for wind-based activities.
Point Mugu State Park0 km

Large state park featuring hiking trails, jagged cliffs, and sandy beaches.

Ventura County Museum25 km

Exhibits detailing the history of the Central Coast and local Chumash culture.

Channel Islands National Park30 km

Accessible via ferry for hiking, kayaking, and diving in a pristine marine environment.

Neptune's Net1 km

Iconic seafood restaurant and biker hangout located directly across from the surf.

Ventura Harbor Village22 km

Waterfront shopping and dining area with boat rentals and kid-friendly beaches.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.