Harbor Entrance at Eureka Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, surfers, Rusty here. Let’s talk about the stretch ahead for our little slice of coast. It’s a bit of a mixed bag for the next couple of weeks, so let’s break it down.

Right out of the gate, things are looking pretty flat and bumpy. We’ve got a few days of small, weak, short-period swell and cross-onshore winds that will leave the ocean looking like a mess. The wave energy is weak, down in the 70s (73) to the low 100s, and with a period of just 6 to 7 seconds, there’s not much push or shape to anything. Water temp is sitting at 58°, which is right about average for this time of year, so no surprises there. Don’t bother waxing up for Monday or Tuesday; it’s a good time to get other stuff done.

We do see the energy start to build a little on Wednesday the 9th, with the swell period stretching out to 8 seconds and the energy jumping to a moderate 430 in the morning. But the wind is still cross-onshore, keeping things choppy. Later that afternoon, the swell swings around from the SW with a much longer period of 19 seconds, and the energy climbs to 628. This is a sign of things to come, but the size is tiny, only 2ft. It’s there, but it’s not really surfable.

The next few days are a real tease. We get some proper long-period groundswell, with periods hitting 17 seconds and the energy reading between 758 and 921, but the height just isn't there. We’re looking at 3ft to 3ft waves. On top of that, the winds stay onshore or cross-onshore, keeping the surface messy. It’s a lot of push for not much wave to ride.

We go through a flat spell again from the 14th to the 18th, with energy dropping back down and wave heights around 2ft - 2ft. The swell period is long, but the size is nothing. It’s another stretch to give the board a rest.

Now, here’s where things start to get interesting. The weekend of the 19th and 20th of September shows a punch of new NW windswell. Saturday afternoon the energy is at 630 with 5ft waves, and by Sunday the 20th, it’s building fast. We’re looking at 7ft in the morning, jumping to 8ft by the afternoon, with the energy jumping to a strong 1008 and then 1398. This is real surf, but the period is short, at 8 seconds, and the wind is still cross-onshore. This is peak size for the period, but the quality won't be there. At 8ft, it's getting into expert territory, but the short period and onshore wind will make it a battle.

Then, we get the real standout. On the 21st of September, the energy goes very strong, hitting 1221 in the morning, and the period stretches out to a proper 12 seconds. The wind is still cross-onshore, but the swell has some power behind it. But the true highlight is the morning of Tuesday, the 22nd of September. The wind swings offshore, and by the afternoon it’s glassy. This is the one to circle on the calendar. The swell is still a solid 7ft with a period of 8 seconds, and while the period isn't the longest, the energy is very strong at 847. The key is the glassy conditions, which will make this the cleanest and most rideable surf of the entire period. This is our best bet. For a spot like Harbor Entrance at Eureka (California) that can get messy, a glassy day with a solid 7ft of swell is the time to be out there. It is a beach/harbor mouth setup, and it's exposed, but with that glass, it could be firing. This will be for the advanced crew, for sure.

So, keep the board handy for the 22nd. It’s a long way off, so don’t hold your breath, but it’s looking like the best chance for a proper session. For the rest, it’s about patience.

Rusty

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