Long Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what Long Beach has in store for us over the next couple of weeks. We’ve got a slow start, then a serious pulse of energy, but you'll have to pick your moments for clean conditions.

Right now, the surf is a no-go. The first couple of days are pretty grim with a strong onshore wind from the NNW at 19 mph on Friday, and the water is a bit colder than normal at 57°. You can forget about it for Friday. Saturday morning (15th August) is where things finally turn around. The wind drops right off, going glassy with a light SE breeze at just 3 mph, cleaning up a solid 6 ft groundswell from the WSW with a long 14-second period. The wave energy is pumping at 1255 (moderate to strong), and the conditions will be very good. Saturday afternoon holds up nicely too with a clean offshore wind from the south. This is your first real window, and it’s a good one.

Sunday (16th) and Monday (17th) morning see the onshore wind return, messing up the waves. But Monday afternoon is the standout of the first week. We get a gentle offshore breeze at 9 mph from the south, grooming an 8 ft WSW swell with 13-second period. The combined energy jumps to 2490 (strong), and the conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is a solid, powerful groundswell, so expect good shape and long lulls between sets.

Tuesday (18th) through Friday (21st) are a bit of a mixed bag. The swell stays in the 6 ft to 8 ft range, but winds are mostly cross or cross-off. Nothing to get overly excited about, as the conditions are marginal due to wind or tide. The energy drops off a bit towards the end of the week.

Now, hold onto your boards, because Saturday 22nd August is the big one. A massive 16 ft SW swell rolls in with a very long 16-second period, and it’s paired with a gentle offshore wind from the south at 9 mph in the morning. The combined energy is an enormous 11032 (very strong). This is exceptional surf, but only for experts. The swell is over 8 ft, so it’s purely for the experienced crew. The long period will make it bend and barrel at the right take-off spots but could make the sandbar sections a bit straight. If you’re not confident, sit this one out.

The big swell hangs around for Sunday (23rd) and Monday (24th) but with stronger cross-offshore winds that will keep it clean but bumpy. It’s still big, in the 10 ft to 15 ft range, so still only for the skilled surfers.

Tuesday the 25th and Wednesday the 26th offer a sweet reward. The swell drops to a much more manageable 8 ft to 10 ft, but we get clean, offshore winds again, making for excellent conditions for experienced surfers. The energy is still high, and the sets will have plenty of punch. This is a great window for anyone with the skills.

The run ends on Thursday 27th when the onshore wind slams back, and the surf becomes poor. Friday the 28th morning offers a brief reprieve with offshore wind and a 7 ft swell, but the afternoon turns messy again.

Overall, Saturday 22nd August morning is the big, dangerous standout for experts, while Monday 17th afternoon and the Tuesday 25th to Wednesday 26th stretch are the best bets for experienced surfers wanting clean, powerful waves. Don't waste your time on the first few days or the last few.

Rusty

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