Galveston-61st Street Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let me break down what the next couple of weeks are looking like for the Galveston coast. I've got to be straight with you – this forecast is a tough one to write. We're looking at a long stretch of flat, weak, and bumpy conditions before we see anything that even resembles a wave worth paddling for.

The whole 16-day window is a real test of patience. For the first couple of weeks, through the 23rd, we're looking at tiny, weak swell – mostly around 2ft to 3ft with short, lackluster periods of 4 to 6 seconds. Add in persistent onshore and cross-onshore winds, and you've got a recipe for choppy, messy surf. Honestly, for most of this time, the water will be more interested in being a washing machine than a surf break. The combined wave energy is weak, mostly in the 10s and 30s (like 15 or 31), which tells you everything you need to know. There are a few mornings, like the 16th and 17th, where a light offshore breeze cleans things up, but the swell is just too small to make anything of it. That 2ft just isn't going to cut it.

For the first break I should mention, we're looking at Galveston-61st Street Pier. The water temp is sitting at 87°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. It's a small detail, but with the lack of surf, you might as well just go for a swim.

The real kicker is that the forecast models keep showing nothing for so long. When there's this much flatness, it can feel like the ocean has just given up. But don't lose hope. The swell window is still open, and these long flat spells don't usually last forever.

Then, we finally see a glimmer of life on Monday, the 24th. The models are showing a pulse of swell pushing in from the south, bringing the wave height up to a full 4ft with a slightly better 6-second period. The combined energy starts to climb into the moderate range (62 and 102). The morning of the 24th looks like the one and only standout of the entire period. We've got a light offshore breeze from the northwest, which should keep things clean and make this south swell more organized. It's not going to be a classic, but after two weeks of nothing, a clean 4ft wave on a fairly consistent spot like the 61st Street Pier is a welcome sight. It'll be small, but it could offer some fun, playful waves for the beginners and longboarders. The crowd might be out, as it's a popular spot, but everyone will be stoked to just get wet.

That's it. One morning worth circling on the calendar. Make the most of that window on the 24th, because the afternoon looks like it gets onshore again.

This is Rusty, signing off. Keep an eye on the ocean, and don't be afraid to gamble on that Monday morning.

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