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Stunning close-up of a barreling wave on a Hawaiian beach, showcasing turquoise and clear ocean waters.
📷 Tommy Pierucki · Pexels

Abiquiu Wave

New spot

Abiquiu Wave is a year-round surf spot in New Mexico with a small community of local surfers and recorded activity.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
Seasonal

At a glance

Activity
surf
Difficulty
intermediate

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
Abiquiu Wave location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
15.3 kn
Wave
m
Water
—°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: E (20%)
Now: NNE (30°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0m
+0.0 m0 m+0.0 m
Now +0.0m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV7.25 · high Air PM2.52 · good 06:50 19:08
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 22.2 7 8mm
09-19 12.8 7 1mm
09-20 13.3 7 0mm
09-21 6 6 0mm
09-22 8.1 6 0mm
09-23 4.7 2 14mm
09-24 4.2 7 2mm

About this spot

Abiquiu Wave sits in northern New Mexico and draws surfers looking for consistent waves throughout the year. The spot has an active local community, with several video records documenting sessions here. Access is straightforward—the area isn't within a marine protected area, so you won't face special permitting hassles. Conditions vary by season, but the year-round potential means you can time your visit based on swell forecasts and your schedule rather than being locked to specific months. The spot works for different skill levels, though you'll want to check current conditions before paddling out. Local knowledge counts here, so connecting with the community through videos and local forums will help you read the break. New Mexico's inland location means water temperature and visibility differ from coastal breaks. Plan accordingly with a wetsuit matched to the season. The area is not protected, giving you flexibility in when and how you approach the spot. Video records from the community show what to expect visually, so scout those before your first visit.

📖 Guide: Diving in the United States: 87 Sites From Springs to Open Ocean

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B · 120V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 7904km · ~1818kg · €33

FAQ

Can I surf Abiquiu Wave year-round?

Yes. The spot works throughout the year, so you can plan trips based on swell forecasts and your schedule rather than seasonal windows.

What skill level is Abiquiu Wave suited for?

The break accommodates different abilities. Check community videos and local conditions reports to match the swell to your experience before paddling out.

Do I need permits or licenses to surf here?

No. Abiquiu Wave is not within a marine protected area, so you don't need special permits to access or surf the spot.

Where can I find information about current conditions?

Community videos and local forums document sessions regularly. These resources show water conditions, swell size, and what to expect before you go.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Abiquiu Wave

Samora
💬 1 top comments
  • Hello, just stumbled upon your video. Having come back to NM from the coasts and missing surfing imagine my surprise to see your video, haha. I was wondering if you’ve found an ideal size (length and thickness) which works best for this river surfing? Also, is there a specific time of year to catch this river wave or is it year round? Appreciate any info, cheers

    @dantelogan2100 · 👍 1

Luis TV. Surfing the Abiquiu Wave.

Luis TV
💬 3 top comments
  • That looks like so much fun!!

    @brianvaller6589 · 👍 1
  • Awwwww man what a bummer I always fish at the dam you guys were at!!! The water low now maybe you have a chance of finding it!!!

    @eusebiosanchez275 · 👍 1
  • Nice work, build more waves

    @lorenka5538 · 👍 1

Abiquiu Dam: Dam Functions & Operations

CORPSCONNECTION
wind peaks Apr-May-Mar, calmest Oct-Nov-Jan, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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