Andrew Molera

Sand-and-cobble rivermouth beachbreak at Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur, where the Big Sur River meets the Pacific. A remote, exposed wave at the north end of the Big Sur coast.

Big Sur Famous spot

Spot intel

Parking

Andrew Molera State Park lot off the 1, $10 day-use. About a 0.8-mile walk on a posted trail down to the beach. Water and cell coverage are thin past the lot.

Crowd

Light. The walk in and the remoteness keep the lineup spread. Water runs low-50s°F. Hooded full suits are standard.

Beginner-friendly?

No.

Remote rivermouth beachbreak with strong currents, cold water, no nearby support, and a documented white-shark presence along the Big Sur coast. Not a beginner wave.

Lineup etiquette

Beachbreak priority is per-wave, not by lineup position. A wave already taken from the peak isn't open to paddle into.

When it's on

West through northwest groundswell with light offshore from the east through northeast. Mid-tide window.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
36.2803, -121.8668
Shore faces
WSW
Region
Big Sur, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Andrew Molera?
Andrew Molera works best on a W to NW swell.
How big does Andrew Molera need to be?
Andrew Molera is best in the 4-10ft range on a 14-20s period.
What are the best conditions at Andrew Molera?
Light or offshore wind under about 10 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
Where is Andrew Molera?
Andrew Molera is a remote rivermouth in Big Sur, California. The beach faces WSW.
Does GhostFingers forecast Andrew Molera?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Andrew Molera with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, summer 2026.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching summer 2026.

Six-tier verdicts for every California break, calibrated to swell, period, direction, tide, and wind.

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