Known as the "Queen of the Coast," Rincon is one of California's most iconic surf spots. Located at the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line, this world-class right point break produces long, well-formed waves during winter swells. The break is divided into three sections: the Cove, Rivermouth, and Indicator, each offering unique surfing experiences. Best surfed at low tide with west to northwest swells.
Dawn patrol surfing in Carpinteria
Carpinteria, California
Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.
First light in Carpinteria means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 1 spots are worth the 5am alarm.
Sunrise
6:50 AMDay length: 12h 27m
+2 min vs yesterday
Sunrise
6:50 AM
First light: 6:20 AM
Sunset
7:17 PM
Last light: 7:47 PM
Data from Rincon · Updated daily
7-Day Sun Schedule
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 6:50 AM | 7:17 PM | 12h 27m |
| Tomorrow | 6:48 AM | 7:17 PM | 12h 29m |
| Wed, Apr 1 | 6:47 AM | 7:18 PM | 12h 31m |
| Thu, Apr 2 | 6:46 AM | 7:19 PM | 12h 33m |
| Fri, Apr 3 | 6:44 AM | 7:20 PM | 12h 36m |
Today(Today)
Sunrise
6:50 AM
Sunset
7:17 PM
Day Length
12h 27m
Tomorrow
Sunrise
6:48 AM
Sunset
7:17 PM
Day Length
12h 29m
Wed, Apr 1
Sunrise
6:47 AM
Sunset
7:18 PM
Day Length
12h 31m
Thu, Apr 2
Sunrise
6:46 AM
Sunset
7:19 PM
Day Length
12h 33m
Fri, Apr 3
Sunrise
6:44 AM
Sunset
7:20 PM
Day Length
12h 36m
Best dawn patrol spots in Carpinteria
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Dawn patrol access guide for Carpinteria
Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.
Dawn patrol tips
- Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
- Less crowded lineups at sunrise
- East-facing beaches for sunrise views
- Spots with easy parking for early arrivals
Surf Guides for Carpinteria
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Carpinteria
- Dawn patrol in Carpinteria typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
- Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.
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