Ogunquit Rivermouth
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Mixed
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Ogunquit Rivermouth is an exposed rivermouth surf spot at Lobster Point where the Ogunquit River meets the Atlantic. The bottom is sandy and shifting, so the wave shape and whether it breaks cleanly can change as sandbars move. When the sandbars cooperate, the spot produces long, workable rides with peeling waves. Surf quality is sensitive to swell direction and onshore/offshore wind. Reported swell preferences center on the east to southeast (with directions described as southeast/east and an optimal range that covers NE–SE to SE). West and northwest winds are generally described as cleaning, helping groom waves for surfing. Tidal timing is also important: one source highlights low tide, while another notes that incoming tide can help organize the peaks and that mid-tide is often the “sweet spot.” Safety is a major consideration. Hazards include rocks at the break area, rip currents, submerged sandbars, and pollution—particularly after heavy rains and river runoff. Cold water is also expected for much of the year, so winter conditions typically require more substantial thermal protection. Local guidance emphasizes being cautious around rips/rocks and checking water quality reports after storms. The spot is well-known and can be crowded. While it may work at any time of year, it is described as fickle (not always breaking well). Seasonal restrictions and swim-zone limitations may apply during peak summer hours, so check local signage and conditions before launching or entering the water.
- Exposed rivermouth setup with long, peeling waves when sandbars are working
- West and northwest winds can provide clean/offshore conditions
- Hazards include rocks, rip currents, and pollution (especially after heavy rain)
- Wave quality is highly tide and sandbar dependent
- Long, workable peeling waves off Lobster Point when sandbars cooperate
- Often works across a range of swells/directions depending on sandbar setup
- A well-known surfing destination in Maine with established amenities nearby
- Fickle rivermouth wave that does not break often
- Hazards include rocks, rip currents, and pollution
- Cold water for much of the year
- Crowds can be significant, especially in summer
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW, SW
- Offshore directions
- W, NW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider notes wind as frontal; regional context also notes off-season can be shaped by stormy frontal systems.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported; also consistent with reported off-season conditions being storm-influenced.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January, February, March
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach with shifting sandbar at the rivermouth.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Flat — Also described elsewhere as medium depending on swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Rivermouth at Lobster Point; also described as a wide sandy beach near the river exit.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Reported easy (wide sandy beach / accessible launch).
Through the year
Extremely crowded in summer with tourists; surfers peak on good swell days in autumn and winter; also can get quite busy in the water.
Late autumn and winter (November through March) bring the most frequent precipitation and powerful coastal storms; winter Nor’easters bring the biggest waves (regional + provider notes).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible on the main beach but the rivermouth itself is tight and better suited for surfing; kitesurfing may be restricted during peak summer months.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Open beach space may allow foiling, but the rivermouth has shallow sandbars and varying currents; foil friendliness is limited.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Reported limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed rivermouth break at Lobster Point with long, workable rights and fast inside lefts when sandbars cooperate.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, ESE, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, Low — Sources disagree slightly: one notes best on low tide; another notes mid-tide sweet spot and that incoming tide tends to organize peaks best.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open, exposed rivermouth setup; not sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- West/northwest winds provide cleaning/offshore conditions and help groom waves.
- Bigger Swell
- Can get mushy/crest on outer shoal above a few feet overhead; may close out if too direct and large.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good/moderate; can vary due to shifting sand.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling waves reported; also described as long, workable rights and fast inside lefts.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Reported as fast (peeling/fast inside lefts).
- Ride Length
- Medium — Long workable rides; provider also describes up to very long distances depending on sandbar.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer long rides across the sandbar on cleaner swells; reported ranges include up to ~200 meters and typical ~50–150 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ogunquit Rivermouth in the full forecast view.
Ogunquit Rivermouth wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- W260°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3010 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–0.9 m6s period
- Temperature
- 0–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ogunquit Rivermouth is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.3–0.9 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- Rip currents
- Pollution
- Cold water
- Submerged sandbars
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards reported for major sandy beaches during the summer period.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability reported as limited; emergency response available via 911 and regional Coast Guard coverage.
- Emergency Info
- In case of emergency, dial 911. Nearest hospital mentioned: York Hospital in York, Maine.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Reported mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Seasonal restrictions for surfing and kitesurfing may apply during peak summer hours (usually 9 AM to 5 PM). No surfing in swim zones (reported by provider).
- Seasonal sport zones and swim zones may restrict access/launching.
- No surfing in swim zones.
- Take care of rips, rocks and pollution.
- Do not expect it to always be perfect due to shifting sand.
- Check water quality reports after heavy storms due to river runoff.
- Mid-tide is generally the sweet spot for the best wave shape.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Portland
- Nearest Town
- Ogunquit
- Nearest Airport
- Portland International Jetport (PWM)
- Parking
- Paid parking available at Main Beach and Footbridge Beach lots; can be expensive and crowded in summer.
- Public Transport
- Limited public transit; seasonal Shoreline Trolley and the Amtrak Downeaster serve nearby Wells station.
- Access
- Located where the Ogunquit River meets the Atlantic Ocean at Lobster Point; accessible via Ogunquit Beach parking lots with a short walk from the main town center.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels, inns, and seasonal rentals in Ogunquit.
- Food & Drink
- High variety of restaurants and cafes within walking distance in Ogunquit village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards, paddleboards, and wetsuits are available at local shops in the Ogunquit and Wells area.
- Gear Storage
- Limited dedicated gear storage; most visitors use their private vehicle or nearby accommodation for storage.
- Gear Repair
- Minor surfboard repairs available at local shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ogunquit is a premier New England vacation destination with dramatic rocky cliffs, expansive sandy beaches, and an arts scene centered around Ogunquit and Perkins Cove.
A scenic 1.25-mile paved cliff walk offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rocky coastline.
A major summer destination centered on beaches, art, and coastal scenery.
A museum featuring American art with ocean-view setting and sculpture gardens.
Historic Ogunquit Art Colony, a renowned community of artists and galleries.
Boat tours departing from Perkins Cove, including lobstering trips and lighthouse cruises.
A key scenic coast walk attraction associated with the Ogunquit shoreline experience.
A landmark waterfront restaurant in Perkins Cove famous for lobster rolls and an iconic rum punch.
A wide variety of dining options from casual beach cafes to upscale waterfront restaurants.
A family entertainment center featuring mini-golf, go-karts, and an arcade.
Numerous restaurants, bars, and beachfront cafes catering to families and tourists.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ogunquit Rivermouth?
The best overall months at Ogunquit Rivermouth are September, October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Ogunquit Rivermouth?
Ogunquit Rivermouth works with W, NW, SW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ogunquit Rivermouth?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ogunquit Rivermouth: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.
What skill level is Ogunquit Rivermouth suitable for?
Ogunquit Rivermouth suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.