Croatan Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s coming for Croatan.

It’s a slow start. The first few days are a total dud with hardly any surf worth mentioning. Water temp is about 80°F, which is way warmer than usual for this time of year, so it feels more like August than September.

Monday the 14th kicks off with a 1ft swell from the ESE, north wind at 16 mph, and weak energy (31). Not worth getting wet. Most of the first week is small, short-period windswell with onshore or cross-onshore winds. Friday the 18th morning cleans up a bit with light WSW winds and cross-offshore conditions, but the swell is only 2ft with very weak energy (47). Surfable but nothing special.

Saturday the 19th is tiny – 0.7ft swell, long period but almost no energy (20). Skip it.

The first real chance comes Thursday the 24th. Light SW winds, cross-offshore, clean, with a 3ft swell from the ENE. Energy is moderate at 219, period 9 seconds. Morning and afternoon both look good. Crowds can be a thing at Croatan, but with conditions this clean, it’s worth dealing with.

The standout is Saturday the 26th. Saturday morning has 5ft from the ENE, 303 energy, light SW winds, and clean conditions. Saturday afternoon goes glassy with a light SSW breeze, 6ft swell, and 314 energy. The swell is getting up there, but with glassy conditions, it’s going to be fun. This is the best session of the forecast.

Sunday the 27th holds size at 6ft from the E with moderate energy (542-580), but the wind goes northerly and cross-shore, so it’s not as clean. Still some push if you’re keen.

After that, it fades. Tuesday the 29th morning has clean conditions with light offshore west wind and 2ft swell, but it’s weak.

So, first week is a bust. Thursday the 24th and Saturday the 26th are your windows. Saturday afternoon with glassy conditions and chest-to-head-high waves is the one to chase.

Rusty.

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