Holden Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks. Let's talk about what's coming for Holden Beach. It's a slow start, but there's a proper pulse building toward the end. I'll walk you through it.

We kick off on September 12th with next to nothing. You're looking at a tiny 1 ft swell from the southeast, with a short 8-second period, and a risk of thunderstorms. The energy is weak (31). Not worth a paddle. This same flat, crappy pattern holds through the weekend and into Monday the 14th. The wind does go glassy on Monday morning, but there’s no wave to push you.

Tuesday the 15th sees a bump to 4 ft from the east, but the period is a weak 7 seconds (energy 128). The wind is clean cross-offshore in the morning, so the shape isn't terrible, but the swell is too weak to get excited about. Not a standout.

From the 17th through the 20th, it’s back to flatness with onshore winds and storms. A real lull.

Then, on the 21st of September, the energy picks up. Monday afternoon brings a 6 ft swell from the east, but it’s a short, junky 7 seconds. The wind is a clean cross-off, so it’s rideable, but it’s a messy, lumpy wave. Not quality.

Here’s where it gets good. Tuesday the 22nd is the switch. We get a 6 ft, 7-second easterly swell with a fresh *offshore* wind from the north at 19 mph. Energy jumps to 348. It’s still peaky, but that offshore wind will hold the face up. This is the first real chance.

The standout is Wednesday the 23rd and Thursday the 24th of September. Wednesday morning gives you a clean 7 ft swell from the ESE with an 8-second period. Gentle offshore wind from the NNW. Energy is 560. Solid, good surf.

But Thursday the 24th is the day. The morning has a solid 8 ft swell from the ESE with a longer 10-second period (energy 1338). That’s a lot of water. The wind is light offshore from the NNE. This is powerful, clean, and will be pushing hard. It’s in the "experts only" range, but for the right person, it’s a proper session. It might break a bit straight on a beach, but the period gives it shape.

Friday the 25th holds a 7 ft wave, but it gets messy in the afternoon as the wind swings onshore. Saturday the 26th is similar: glassy morning with a 7 ft swell, but expect the afternoon to get blown out.

So, bottom line: a dead flat first week, then a clean window from the 22nd to the 26th. Thursday the 24th morning at Holden Beach is the best on offer — big, clean, powerful surf from the ESE. Get on it if you’re comfortable with size. Water temps are about average for this time of year. The break is inconsistent and exposed to the south, so you need the right direction.

For the rest, it’s mostly small and weak.

Rusty.

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