Crab Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. I’ve been staring at the charts for our little patch of paradise, and I’ve got to be straight with you—it’s a long, quiet wait. We’re looking at a solid 12-day stretch of pretty much nothing worth paddling out for. The first few days, from the 7th all the way through the 18th, are just flat and messy. Tiny dribbles, cross-shore junk, and wave energy that barely registers (energy values hanging around 2 to 99). It’s the kind of stuff that’ll have you staring at the horizon wondering if your board’s still got air in it.

Then, finally, things start to stir. On the morning of Wednesday, August 19th, we get a real pulse. Crab Island (reef) sees a jump in swell to 5ft from the WSW with a period of 7 seconds. The energy climbs to 269 (moderate), but the real magic is the wind: glassy. Glassy. That’s a rare treat, and it’ll make the surface clean as a whistle. The water is sitting at a very unusual 69°F, which is a massive 8°F warmer than normal for this time of year—so it’s not just the waves that’ll feel different, the water’s gonna be like a bath. The swell is just over the 5ft mark, so it’s a bit too much for the beginners, but for the intermediates, this is the one. The morning of the 19th is the standout. Crowds are *sometimes* an issue here, so get in early.

The afternoon of the 19th sees the swell building to 6ft (still from the WSW, period 7 sec, energy 353), but the wind swings to a moderate cross-off. It’s clean, but not as perfect as the glassy morning. It’s a solid option if you miss the dawn patrol.

The next morning, Thursday, August 20th, brings offshore winds at 12 mph with swell dropping slightly to 4ft from the WSW (period 8 sec, energy 215). That’s a nice, clean, moderate offshore session. The swell’s a bit weaker, but the wind is good. It’s a solid second-choice, but the morning of the 19th is still the real prize.

After the 20th, the wind turns onshore and the swell gets messy again through the 22nd, with strong cross-shore winds and choppy conditions. There’s one more pulse on the 22nd (5ft to 6ft, energy 265 to 344), but the cross-shore wind will ruin it. Honestly, for a week and a half, it’s been a desert. But when that glassy morning hits on the 19th, it’ll be worth the wait. Keep your board waxed.

Rusty.

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