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Aerial satellite view of Tarpits surf break in Santa Barbara, California, United States
Santa Barbara, California, United States

Tarpits

34.387, -119.514
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-verifiedCross-checked against 1 reference
A-frame · MixedBeginner → Advanced2–6 ftJan – Dec

A sand-and-rock mix at the south end of Carpinteria State Beach, Tarpits is an erratic, semi-closed-out beach and reefbreak that earns its best sessions during the rainy season, when sand pushed out of the small rivermouth to the south fills in the banks. W and NW swells are the bread-and-butter, but solid SSE hurricane swells can light up the reef section south of the main peak, producing a handful of lined-up lefts worth hunting. N and NE offshores keep things clean. Best at higher tides and in the waist-to-head-high range before it closes out. Crowds are moderate, roughly the vibe of the only bar in a small town, and while localism is described as "hungry," it stays manageable with respectful surfing. Bottom: sand and rock, mixed. Season: June through February. Consistency: erratic, sand-dependent. Bring a board you do not mind bumping into others, because loose surfboards are the primary hazard in the lineup.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Beginner → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Erratic semi-closed-out beach and reef peaks, occasional lined-up lefts.

Conditions

When it works
Hazards
Loose surfboards.
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
13° to 20°C
Wetsuit
3/2 to 4/3
What to bring
  • Fish or shortboard 5ft 8in to 6ft 4in for punchy beach peaks
  • Funboard or longboard for smaller, mushier days
  • Step-up optional but wave rarely warrants it
Lineup
Easy-going
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Expect a moderate crowd, especially on weekends and when other Santa Barbara County spots are blown out or flat. Locals are described as hungry rather than aggressive, but drop-ins and snake behavior will earn attention. Dawn patrol during the rainy season, when the banks rebuild, gives you the best combination of quality and a thinner lineup.

Access & Facilities

Follow signs for Carpinteria State Beach, pay the day-use fee, and park directly in front of the break. Restrooms, showers, and a campground are on-site. Water quality is listed as clean, though this is a rivermouth, so use judgment after heavy rain runoff.

Nearby Alternatives

When Tarpits is too closed-out or the crowds stack up, check the other peaks along Carpinteria State Beach or drive north toward Santa Barbara for more structured reefbreaks. On a solid NW swell, the points and reefs scattered along the Rincon corridor are worth the short trip.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Tarpits surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

Before you paddle out

Tarpits is a mixed break suited for beginner to advanced surfers. Confident beginners can give it a go on small days.
Tarpits
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