Fort Cronkite Rodeo Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s happening at Fort Cronkite Rodeo Beach. This is a sheltered spot, and honestly, the next couple of weeks are a bit of a mixed bag. There’s a long stretch of poor conditions right off the bat, so you’ve got to be patient to find the windows that actually deliver.

Right now, the water is sitting at 66°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s a 7° anomaly above average. Makes a difference in how long you can sit out there waiting for a set.

This week is a struggle. From Friday, September 11th right through the weekend and into the middle of the following week, it’s mostly cross-onshore to onshore wind, with choppy and lumpy conditions. There’s no point getting excited about the 3ft swell from the SW on Friday morning with 16-second period (groundswell) because the wind just wrecks it. The combined energy is moderate at 630, but paired with 9 mph onshore wind, it’s a write-off.

The first real glimmer of hope comes on Monday, September 14th, in the morning. That’s the standout from this early period. We’ve got glassy conditions – wind is basically nothing at 3 mph from the west – with a clean 5ft WNW swell. The period is 9 seconds, so it’s a short-interval swell, but the glassy morning will make it smooth and fun despite the modest energy (436). That’s your only real chance to get a decent session in the first week.

After that, it’s back to poor surf with onshore winds again through the middle of the month. There’s a small bump on Saturday, September 19th afternoon with 7ft WNW swell, but the period drops to 7 seconds and the wind is fresh cross-onshore at 16 mph – lumpy and messy. That one is for kite surfers, not paddle surfers.

The next true standout is Wednesday, September 23rd, in the morning. This one deserves a shout. We’ve got glassy conditions again, wind from the SW at just 3 mph, and a solid 7ft NW swell. That’s getting into expert territory – over 8ft is too big for beginners, but 7ft is a powerful wave for experienced surfers. The combined energy is strong at 1059, and while the period is only 8 seconds, the glassy morning and clean conditions will make for some heavy, punchy sets. That’s the best of the whole outlook, but it’s a long way out – keep an eye on it.

There’s also a good window on Tuesday, September 22nd morning with 5ft WNW swell, glassy wind, and moderate energy (464), and again on Thursday, September 24th morning with 6ft WNW swell, glassy wind, and strong energy (888). Both are solid, but the 23rd is the standout.

Later in the month, Friday the 25th morning has glassy conditions and a 5ft WNW swell with an 11-second period – longer period, better shape – and energy at 588. Worth a paddle if you’re around.

Overall, there are long gaps of poor conditions, especially from the 14th afternoon through the 20th. Stick to the glassy mornings, and you’ll find the cleanest waves. This spot is very consistent, so don’t let the rough spells get you down – it turns around quickly.

Stay patient, Rusty.

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