Tarpits
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tarpits is a beach-and-reef surf break at the south end of Carpinteria State Beach, known for reliable surf and a distinctive hazard: natural tar/asphaltum seeps along the shoreline. It works best with southwest groundswells combined with northeast winds that groom the wave face, producing a generally mellow but sometimes erratic wave that can run from waist-to-head high up to very large sizes in winter. Wave quality and rideability improve when sand conditions clear during the rainy season, and low tide is repeatedly identified as the most favorable tide window. While the spot can hold up through moderate size, it may also become semi-closed-out or messy on bigger winter swells—so conditions need to be read carefully, especially near reef segments. Safety is a major focus here. Sources specifically warn about pollution and the sticky tar/asphaltum that can get onto feet and boards; bring baby oil or olive oil (or a dedicated tar remover) to clean up after sessions. Because runoff can affect water quality, it’s advised to avoid the water for 72 hours after heavy rainfall. Access is straightforward through the state beach, with paid parking in the Carpinteria State Beach lot. Lifeguards are reported as seasonal and rescue availability as limited, so it’s best treated as a spot where you should be prepared to handle your own safety planning and gear choices.
- Northeast offshore winds commonly groom the wave face
- Best on low tide and during rainy/winter season for clearer sand conditions
- Natural tar/asphaltum seeps are a signature hazard—plan for removal
- Pollution risk increases after heavy rainfall due to runoff
- Reliable surf tied to southwest swell with northeast offshore winds
- Works well during the rainy/winter season when sand conditions clear
- Beach-and-reef character gives a variety of wave behavior
- Amenities and access are supported by the state beach setting
- Tar/asphaltum seeps can stick to feet and gear
- Pollution concerns, especially around heavy rainfall periods
- Can be erratic with semi-closed-out/overly messy outcomes on larger swells
- Wind reliability is low for the spot’s typical offshore setup
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Offshore directions
- NE, N
- Wind Range
- 5–12 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast offshore (per sources); regional flow is influenced by coastal thermal effects.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported low gustiness for typical conditions.
- Best Months
- January, February
- Shadow Zones
- Cliffs and coastal orientation can create wind shadow effects, especially in the morning.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Beach composition reported as sand/mixed; includes tar seeps and mixed shoreline areas.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Commonly small; can hold larger winter swell depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Sandy beach section bordered by natural asphaltum (tar) seeps and rocky outcroppings.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch area described as easy in at least one provider record.
Through the year
Summer weekends and good-condition days can be busy with beachgoers and families; winter mornings are primarily surfers.
December through March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Occasionally used for wingfoiling during rare clearing winds; proximity to kelp beds and reef makes it less ideal.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly conditions are limited due to kelp/reef proximity.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
A beach-and-reef break (south end of Carpinteria State Beach) known for erratic tendencies, including semi-closed-out behavior; works best with southwest groundswells and northeast offshore winds. Tar/asphaltum seeps are a distinctive hazard at the launch area.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Best on low tide.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered beach-and-reef setup; not fully protected from swell.
- Wind Effect
- Northeast or north winds groom the wave face/offshore, while westerly winds can cause chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Can get very good between chest-high and triple overhead, but may also close out or become messy on massive winter swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Reported as good/average depending on conditions; best during rainy season when sand clears from the rivermouth.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Overall described as moderate; can be softer/more mellow depending on conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed beach/reef character; can be semi-closed-out or messy on the biggest days.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Mellow wave character reported.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Reports vary by conditions and sandbar formation.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typically 50–100 meters depending on swell angle and sandbar formation; one source cites ~75 meters as typical.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tarpits in the full forecast view.
Tarpits wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–6 ktsGusts 13 kts
- Direction
- WSW240°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 236 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.3 m9s period
- Temperature
- 15–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tarpits is forecast for daytime winds of 2–6 kts, peaking around 6 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 13 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.5–1.3 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- Pollution
- Tar/asphaltum on beach (natural tar seeps)
- Submerged rocks and reef segments
- Kelp beds
- Occasional rip currents near reef sections
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services via 911; nearest medical facilities are in Carpinteria or Santa Barbara.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Locals use a direct access hole in the fence; otherwise expect standard etiquette.
Rules of the spot
State park regulations apply; local access uses a hole in the fence (otherwise follow posted beach/parking access). No dogs on the beach; general surfing etiquette and standard park rules.
- No dogs on the beach
- State park parking fees apply
- Bring baby oil or olive oil (or a dedicated tar remover) to remove tar from feet and gear.
- Avoid the water for 72 hours following heavy rainfall due to runoff.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Carpinteria
- Nearest Town
- Carpinteria
- Parking
- Paid parking is available at Carpinteria State Beach; sources cite a fee of about $8.
- Access
- Located at the south end of Carpinteria State Beach; accessible via the state park entrance or by walking south from the end of Linden Avenue. Follow signs and pay the state beach parking fee for access.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping is available on-site at Carpinteria State Beach; additional hotels and vacation rentals are within walking distance of town.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous cafes, breweries, and restaurants are located on Linden Avenue, about a 10-minute walk from the spot.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard and wetsuit rentals are available at shops in downtown Carpinteria (one record notes rentals via local surf shops).
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repair services are available at local surf shops in town.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Known as the world’s safest beach; wide sandy shores and gentle swimming conditions.
Scenic walking trails along the coastal cliffs with views of the ocean and Channel Islands.
Regional history from the Chumash era to modern day.
A protected area to observe a harbor seal colony from the bluffs.
Award-winning family-owned microbrewery next to the tracks and beach.
Classic beachfront burger and shake stand.
Coastal wetland with interpretive signage and birdwatching for all ages.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tarpits?
The best overall months at Tarpits are January, February.
Which wind directions work at Tarpits?
Tarpits works with NE winds. Offshore directions are NE, N.
What skill level is Tarpits suitable for?
Tarpits suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.