Tarpits Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

W, NW, SSE hurricane swells

Wind

N, NE

Surf Height

waist to head high

Tide

higher

Tarpits Surf Guide

Located at the south end of the Carpinteria State Beach, Tarpits is an erratic, semi-closed-out beach/reefbreak that tends to be best during the rainy season, when sand flows out of the small rivermouth to the south. The uneven reefbreak to the south of Tarpits also can offer a few lined-up lefts during a solid S swell.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

Beginner to Slasher Surf Club member

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

Hungry.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

Think: the only bar in a small town.

Spot Rating

Poor

PoorPerfect

Semi-closeout with a few openings.

Shoulder Burn

Light

LightExhausting

Not too bad.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

It's a rivermouth.

Hazards

Loose surfboards.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, Bodyboard, Skimming

Access

There's a hole in the fence for locals, otherwise, follow signs for Carpinteria State Beach, pay your eight bucks and park right in front of the break.

Bottom

Sand and rock

Best Season

June-February

Do you have local knowledge about Tarpits?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]