Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

State Line is an exposed beach break on the Oregon–California border near the mouth of the Winchuck River. It’s described as having fairly consistent surf, with the best conditions typically at mid tide. The bottom is primarily sand but includes rocks near the river mouth, and the area can feel remote. Water temperatures are very cold year-round (around 10–14°C, with winter months often closer to 11–13°C), so expect to need substantial thermal protection. A spring wetsuit setup is specifically recommended, including a hood, gloves, and boots, and the spot is also associated with colder-water gear needs. Safety-wise, the main concerns called out for this spot are rocks and sharks, along with rip currents and river mouth outflow currents. After heavy rain, it’s advised to check for logs and debris near the river mouth. Rescue/lifeguard coverage is described as none at the beach, so partner-surfing is recommended given the remoteness. From a wave-and-wind perspective, surf performance is described as average overall, with mixed wave shape and moderate power. East winds are reported to help by providing cleaner/offshore conditions, while West and Northwest winds can make things messier (onshore/cross effects). On larger swells, the break may close out.

  • Pretty consistent exposed beach-break surf
  • Best at mid tide
  • Cold water year-round requiring hood/boots/gloves
  • Remote setting with rocks and strong currents near the river mouth
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Pretty consistent, exposed beach-break surf
  • Sand-bottom beach with surf often most favorable at mid tide
  • Typically low-profile/calm compared with major nearby hubs
Heads up
  • Cold water requiring heavy insulation year-round
  • Exposed conditions with rocks and potential strong currents near the river mouth
  • No lifeguards and limited rescue for on-water wind-sport activities
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E
Offshore directions
E
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Described wind type at the spot.
Reliability
Low
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
January, October, November, December

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand beach; rocks present near the river mouth.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Described as pretty consistent with small-to-medium conditions.
Launch
Small — Exposed sandy beach used for launch; river mouth influence can affect conditions.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
10–15 °C
Water Temperature
6–21 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mm or 4/3mm + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

Usually uncrowded or low-profile; can see more locals on weekends during good swells.

Storm/Rain Season

November through March

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break with fairly consistent surf, best at mid tide. Sandy bottom with rocks near the river mouth.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
W, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Best at mid tide.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
East winds provide clean offshore conditions; West and Northwest winds are onshore and messy.
Bigger Swell
Can close out on very large swells.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Mixed
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short
Ride Length Details
Ride length described as short.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for State Line in the full forecast view.

State Line wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–8 ktsGusts 16 kts
Direction
SW235°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 258 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–2.2 m9s period
Temperature
7–18 °C

Over the next 7 days, State Line is forecast for daytime winds of 1–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.0–2.2 m with a period of about 9s. 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
  • Sharks
  • Rip currents
  • River mouth outflow currents
  • Cold water
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestHelmet

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital services are in Brookings, Oregon.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Local Tips
  • Check for logs and debris after heavy rains due to the nearby river mouth.
  • The area is remote, so surf with a partner.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Brookings
Nearest Town
Harbor
Parking
Parking is available at the nearby state park access point.
Public Transport
Extremely limited; a personal vehicle or rental car is essential for accessing coastal launches and transporting gear.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Motels and campgrounds are available in Harbor and Brookings.
Food & Drink
Restaurants and stores are located a short drive north in Harbor.
Equipment Rental:
Very limited; most riders bring their own equipment since there are no dedicated wind-sport rental shops directly at the local launches.
Gear Storage
Not available at the launches; visitors typically store gear in vehicles or local accommodations.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at State Line?

The best overall months at State Line are October, November, December, January. The best wind months are January, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at State Line?

State Line works with E winds. Offshore directions are E.

What skill level is State Line suitable for?

State Line suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.