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Oregon • Central CoastBuoy: 46050

Nelscott Reef

Epic

Wave Height

6-8

ft

Swell

~9s

NW

Wind

11mph

Sideshore (NNE)

Water

50°

5/4mm + boots

Falling• Low in 0m

Updated: 2/28/2026, 5:36:27 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

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Surf Graph

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Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

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 50°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 6-8ft. 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 2:11 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 7:26 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

Looking pretty solid Sunday morning with 6-7ft sets at 10 seconds and light wind - that's your window right there. Everything else is either dropping off or getting blown out by Wednesday with that 18mph onshore mess.

Updated 2/28/2026, 6:14:22 PM

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.