Hollywood Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty.

So, let’s be honest about this whole stretch at Hollywood Beach – it’s not looking like a banner run. Over these sixteen days, the wave heights are mostly below three feet, and the wind is onshore or cross-onshore for the bulk of it. That makes for small, sloppy surf. You’re looking at a long, lean period with nothing that really screams “go.”

The first peek of something comes on Thursday, September 10th in the afternoon. There’s a tiny 3ft swell from the southwest, but it’s got that long 16-second period, so there’s some muscle behind it. The combined energy is moderate at 374, and the water temp is running 70°, which is way warmer than normal for this time of year. The wind is light and onshore though, so the surface won’t be glassy. It’s a marginal call, more of a hope-and-pray session.

Friday, September 11th tracks much the same – 3ft from the southwest, still with that long period. The morning has light cross-onshore breeze, so you’ll have some texture on the face. After that, from Saturday the 12th onward, it really goes into a slump. Heights drop to 1ft to 2ft, and the energy numbers fall down into the 100-200 range – weak. The wind stays light but onshore, and the quality gets rated as poor right through to the third week.

There’s a slight lift at the end, around September 21st and 22nd. The swell returns to 3ft to 3ft from the southwest, still with a 16-17 second period, and the energy climbs back into the 400s (420-474). The afternoons are choppy with cross-onshore wind, but the mornings of the 22nd and 23rd have a light onshore breeze that might clean it up a little. Still, at 3ft and that long period, it’s not going to be user-friendly with the wind against you.

If I had to call the best of the bunch, I’d point you to Thursday the 10th in the afternoon, or maybe the early sessions on the 21st and 22nd. The swell direction is southwest, which is the optimum, and that long period gives you some hope for a real wave. But crowds are likely, and the break is inconsistent, so don’t expect a party. For beginners, the size is okay, but that long period and chop makes it tricky. Honestly, this whole window is one for being patient. Forecasts can always change, but right now, it’s a long stretch of not much.

– Rusty

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