 Hurricane Rick originated from a strong tropical disturbance wave that moved off the west coast of Africa on October 3 , 2009 . Convective activity was initially sparse as the system tracked westward across the Atlantic Ocean . By October 8 , an area of low pressure developed within the disturbance wave and convection increased . The low eventually moved over South America and dissipated on October 11 . The wave , however , remained well @-@ defined and continued westward , entering the Pacific Ocean on October 12 . By the morning of October 15 , the wave began to regain convection and eventually spawned a new area of low pressure roughly 475 mi ( 764 km ; 413 nmi ) south @-@ southwest of Puerto Ángel , Mexico . By the afternoon , the NHC reported that the system had become increasingly organized and was likely to develop into a tropical depression later that day . Around 11 : 00 am PDT ( 1800 UTC ) , the NHC declared that the low had developed into a tropical depression , the 20th of the 2009 Pacific hurricane season . The storm featured well @-@ developed outflow in all directions . Environmental conditions consisting of low wind shear , high moisture content and above average sea surface temperatures in the path of the system were exceptionally favorable for rapid development . Additionally , the storm was being steered through this region by a low- to mid @-@ level ridge over Mexico . 
