Dawn patrol surfing in Manchester

Manchester, California

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

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

Sunrise

7:05 AM
First Light: 6:35 AM

Day length: 12h 31m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:05 AM

First light: 6:35 AM

Sunset

7:36 PM

Last light: 8:06 PM

Data from Point Arena / Manchester Beach · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:05 AM

Sunset

7:36 PM

Day Length

12h 31m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:03 AM

Sunset

7:37 PM

Day Length

12h 34m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

7:02 AM

Sunset

7:38 PM

Day Length

12h 36m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

7:00 AM

Sunset

7:39 PM

Day Length

12h 39m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:58 AM

Sunset

7:39 PM

Day Length

12h 41m

Best dawn patrol spots in Manchester

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Featured Beaches(1)

Point Arena / Manchester Beach

Intermediate

This remote stretch of beach north of Point Arena Lighthouse sees powerful, cold surf from W and NW swells. Sandbars shift, creating rips and long walls; it's a great spot for experienced surfers seeking solitude.

Dawn patrol access guide for Manchester

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Point Arena / Manchester Beach
beach
upper-intermediate

This remote stretch of beach north of Point Arena Lighthouse sees powerful, cold surf from W and NW swells. Sandbars shift, creating rips and long walls; it's a great spot for experienced surfers seeking solitude.

Early access

Walk through dunes to the beach and pick a sandbar; be prepared for long paddles in strong currents.

Parking

Small parking area at Manchester State Park; there's also beach access from the lighthouse road.

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 Manchester

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 Manchester

Dawn patrol in Manchester 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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