Bill’s Bowls is a surf spot located in Northern California, California. This spot is a coral reef break that sometimes breaks, offering waves with a length of 50 to 150 meters. The spot provides both left and right waves. Bill’s Bowls is known for its big wave conditions, suitable for experienced surfers and pros. The spot is considered a regional classic in terms of wave quality. Surfers should be aware of potential hazards such as rips, undertow, rocks, and the presence of sharks. The spot is often described as a gnarly open ocean peak, comparable to Mavericks in terms of intensity. It’s recommended to use big wave surfboards when surfing here. To access the spot, surfers need to paddle for over 20 minutes or use a boat. Parking is available in a nearby cove. The spot typically has few surfers, making it less crowded compared to other locations. Bill’s Bowls breaks best during low and medium tides. Nearby surf spots include Russian Rivermouth, Salmon Creek, Doran Beach, Dillon Beach, and Point Reyes Beach North. It’s important to respect the locals and check the surf etiquette, especially when the spot gets crowded. Always assess your skills before paddling out to ensure the spot and conditions match your surfing level. The optimal time to surf at Bill’s Bowls is during the winter months, particularly in January. The best wave quality is typically found when a northwest swell coincides with east winds. Water temperatures at Bill’s Bowls are relatively cold, averaging around 12.3°C (54°F), so appropriate wetsuit gear is necessary for comfort and safety. Remember to check the surf forecast and report before heading out to Bill’s Bowls for the most up-to-date information on conditions. Check out the good surf at Bill's Bowls in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Bill's Bowls, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.
Near spots
There are 13 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Bill's Bowls. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.
See all 13 surf spots