Maine's best-known break sits where the Ogunquit River meets the Atlantic, producing a shifting sand bottom that reshapes after every significant swell. East swell is the ticket, ideally chest-high to just overhead, with a W wind cleaning things up. It breaks through most tides except dead high, though incoming tide tends to organize the peaks best. The rivermouth itself is mostly a right on bigger days, with a fast inside left also in play. On outgoing tide, the river current pushes you out of position, though it does warm the water slightly, a small mercy in a place where full 5/4 rubber is routine from October through April. Crowds are manageable midweek in summer and brutal in winter when a good swell hits. The takeoff zone tightens considerably once it gets overhead, so if you're not reading rivermouth peaks confidently, the main beach peaks to the north give you more room to work. Bottom: Sand. Season: September through March. Consistency: Moderate.
Weekday crowds are thin outside summer. Winter swells draw a committed local crew in full cold-water kit, and the takeoff zone at the rivermouth compresses badly on bigger days. Localism is described as doable but variable with swell size. If it's overhead and the peak is pinching, sit on the shoulder or take the main beach instead of burning locals.
A large paid lot sits right at the main beach, convenient but expensive in summer (upward of $30/day). Cheaper options exist along River Road and Cottage Street in town. Follow posted parking signs and expect a short walk. Water quality is generally fair, but deteriorates noticeably after heavy rain due to river runoff.
When Ogunquit goes mushy overhead, Kennebunkport handles size better and draws the local crew north. The main beach peaks directly north of the rivermouth offer more open space when the mouth is packed.
Forecast by Windy.app
