What time should I surf for dawn patrol in Lincoln City?

Dawn patrol in Lincoln City typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.

Why is dawn patrol the best time to surf?

Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

Dawn patrol surfing in Lincoln City

Lincoln City, Oregon

Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.

First light in Lincoln City means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 1 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

7:01 AM

First Light: 6:31 AM

Day length: 12h 40m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:01 AM

First light: 6:31 AM

Sunset

7:41 PM

Last light: 8:11 PM

Data from Nelscott Reef · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

7-day sun schedule showing sunrise, sunset, and day length
Day	Sunrise	Sunset	Day Length
Today(Today)	7:01 AM	7:41 PM	12h 40m
Tomorrow	6:59 AM	7:43 PM	12h 43m
Thu, Apr 2	6:57 AM	7:44 PM	12h 46m
Fri, Apr 3	6:55 AM	7:45 PM	12h 50m

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:01 AM

Sunset

7:41 PM

Day Length

12h 40m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:59 AM

Sunset

7:43 PM

Day Length

12h 43m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:57 AM

Sunset

7:44 PM

Day Length

12h 46m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:55 AM

Sunset

7:45 PM

Day Length

12h 50m

Best dawn patrol spots in Lincoln City

Featured Beaches

1 spots

Nelscott Reef

Advanced

Half a mile off Lincoln City, Nelscott Reef is Oregon's big-wave arena where west swells and east winds produce 25-50 ft monsters. Only expert surfers with jetski support attempt this outer reef.

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Featured Beaches(1)

Nelscott Reef

Advanced

Half a mile off Lincoln City, Nelscott Reef is Oregon's big-wave arena where west swells and east winds produce 25-50 ft monsters. Only expert surfers with jetski support attempt this outer reef.

Dawn patrol access guide for Lincoln City

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Nelscott Reef

reef

advanced

Half a mile off Lincoln City, Nelscott Reef is Oregon's big-wave arena where west swells and east winds produce 25-50 ft monsters. Only expert surfers with jetski support attempt this outer reef.

Early access

Paddling is not recommended; surfers launch via jetski from the harbor. Coordinate with a local team and safety crew.

Parking

Park at Canyon Drive Park or on SW 3rd Avenue. Spotters can watch from the beach or cliffs.

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 Lincoln City

Conditions

Dawn Patrol

You're here

Sunset Sessions

Evening golden hour spots

Tide Windows

Optimal tidal conditions

Water Temperature

Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Beginner Spots

Gentle waves for learning

Longboard Spots

Mellow waves for logging

Less Crowded

Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Lincoln City

: Dawn patrol in Lincoln City 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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