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Oregon • Central CoastBuoy: 46050

Nelscott Reef

Good

Wave Height

2-4

ft

Swell

~7s

W

Wind

11mph

Sideshore (N)

Water

53°

5/4mm + boots

Rising• High in 5h 36m

Updated: 7/15/2026, 5:36:26 AM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
H9:35pm7.5ft
Tomorrow
L2:46am2.4ft
H8:49am9.3ft
L3:33pm-2.2ft
H10:16pm7.7ft
Fri, Jul 17
L3:39am2.0ft
H9:40am8.7ft
L4:15pm-1.7ft
H10:57pm7.8ft
Sat, Jul 18
L4:33am1.8ft
H10:31am7.9ft

Recent History

No recent history available

About Nelscott Reef

Nelscott Reef is Oregon's premier big-wave spot, a deepwater reef break a half mile offshore from Lincoln City. When massive winter storms send 25-foot-plus swells down the Pacific, Nelscott produces towering, open-ocean waves that have attracted the world's best big-wave surfers since its discovery in the early 2000s. The water is cold, the conditions are brutal, and the wave is legitimately terrifying. Oregon's answer to Mavericks.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Nelscott Reef?

The current water temperature at Nelscott Reef is 53°F. A 5/4mm wetsuit with boots and gloves is recommended.

What is the surf like at Nelscott Reef today?

Nelscott Reef currently has waves around 2-4ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Nelscott Reef?

Today's high tide at Nelscott Reef is at 3:57 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Nelscott Reef?

Today's low tide at Nelscott Reef is at 9:52 PM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Nelscott Reef?

Nelscott Reef works best with swells from the W, WNW, NW and E, SE, NE winds (offshore). The ideal tide is mid.

Is Nelscott Reef good for beginners?

Nelscott Reef is recommended for experienced surfers only. The waves here can be powerful and conditions challenging. Beginners should look for more forgiving spots nearby.

This Week's Outlook

Thursday morning looks dialed with 6-7ft faces and light cross-shore winds hitting right around the incoming tide. Friday could be even cleaner if you can handle the size, with those longer interval swells and mellower wind conditions all day.

Updated 6/15/2026, 6:14:22 AM

Spot Info

Break TypeReef Break
BottomRock Reef
Skill LevelExpert Only (Big Wave)
CrowdVery Light (elite only)
Best TideMid
Best SwellW, WNW, NW
Best WindE, SE, NE
ParkingLincoln City beach access, jet ski launch from harbor

Local Tip

Big-wave-only spot. Do not attempt without big-wave experience, a jet ski team, and safety gear.