Coordinates 37.096617 -122.280867

Waddell Creek is a surf spot located in Bay Area, California. The spot provides both left and right waves. It’s known for its sand bottom and works best during medium and high tides. Waddell Creek is suitable for intermediate surfers and is very consistent in terms of wave frequency. The waves are typically less than 50m in length. The spot usually has few surfers, making it a good choice for those seeking less crowded conditions. However, it’s important to respect the locals and check the surf etiquette when the spot gets busier. Nearby surf spots include Greyhound Rock, Ano Nuevo, Scott Creek, Davenport, and Shaks. Waddell Creek is easily accessible, located right off the coastal highway. Surfers should be aware of potential rips and undertow. Always check your skills before paddling out to make sure the spot and conditions fit your surfing level. Waddell Creek is part of Big Basin Redwoods State Park and empties into the Pacific Ocean at Waddell Beach, just south of Año Nuevo Point. The area has a rich history, with the first European land exploration passing through in 1769. William Waddell, for whom the creek is named, settled in the area in 1862 and established a sawmill. The creek’s watershed drains 26 square miles and consists of many headwater creeks. Historically, Waddell Creek was home to steelhead trout and coho salmon, though conservation efforts are ongoing due to declining populations. The surrounding area features diverse flora, including coast redwoods in the upper stream banks and red alder, big-leaf maple, and willows in the lower portions. For the most up-to-date surf conditions, it’s recommended to check the surf forecast, report, and map before your visit. Some spots in the area may have webcams available for real-time viewing of the conditions. Check out the good surf at Waddell Creek in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.

Best tide at Waddell Creek

Medium, High (best tide movement: Rising tide)

Check the full tide table

Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Waddell Creek, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.

Near spots

There are 53 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Waddell Creek. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.

See all 53 surf spots