Flagler Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again. Let’s break down what Flagler Pier has cooking for the next couple of weeks. First thing you need to know: we’ve got a long dry spell. The first surfable day doesn’t roll around until Tuesday, September 22nd, so that’s about a 9-day stretch of poor conditions to start.

From now until Monday the 21st, it’s pretty much a write-off. Tiny swell, bad wind, and a lot of storm clouds. Swell heights are stuck between 1 ft and 2 ft, with combined energy barely above 50 (42) – weak stuff. Wednesday the 16th sees a bump to 5 ft, but it’s short-period junk at 7 seconds with a stiff onshore NE wind at 15 mph. Messy and blown out. That’s kiteboarding territory, not surfing.

Tuesday, September 22nd – finally something to talk about. The morning is clean with a light cross-offshore breeze from the S at 6 mph, and by afternoon the wind goes dead calm – glassy conditions. Swell edges up to 3 ft from the E with a short 6-second period. Energy is still weak at 60, so we’re talking small, gutless waves, but it’ll be clean. Perfect for a longboard or a soft top.

Wednesday, September 23rd – morning session looks decent too. Clear sky, light offshore wind from the W at 6 mph, swell from the NE at 2 ft with an 8-second period. Energy is low at 93, but clean conditions make it worth a paddle.

Thursday, September 24th – the afternoon brings a 13-second groundswell, the longest of the period, but it’s paired with a strong onshore NNE wind at 15 mph. Energy is moderate at 181, but the wind chops it up bad.

Friday, September 25th – morning has a 13-second period ENE swell at 3 ft, but onshore wind from the NNE at 9 mph ruins the party. Energy hits a solid 279, so there’s power, but that long-period groundswell on an exposed beach break with onshore wind is a recipe for closeouts and chop.

From Saturday the 26th through Sunday the 28th, we see a bit more size – 4 ft to 5 ft from the NE/ENE – but the period drops to 7-8 seconds and the onshore wind sticks around. Combined energy is moderate to strong (200-232), but it’s all wind-affected. Water temp is 83°F, pretty normal for this time of year.

So here’s the bottom line: your best bet is Tuesday afternoon, September 22nd and maybe the morning of the 23rd. The swell is tiny, but glassy or light offshore wind gives you the cleanest waves of the whole 16 days. Everything else is fighting onshore wind or waiting on swell that doesn’t deliver. Don’t hold your breath.

Rusty.

Read more