Montara

📍 Local Knowledge

Montara in San Mateo is an exposed beach break with reliable surf year-round, offering both left and right-hand waves. It performs best with distant groundswells from the west-northwest and offshore winds from the southeast, although easterly winds also work well. Winter, particularly December, brings the most consistent clean surf with rideable swells and light offshore winds. Despite its quality, Montara is rarely crowded, even when the waves are pumping. Surfers should be cautious of strong rip currents and possible shark encounters.