Long Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s look at what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks at Long Beach.

First thing you need to know: the water is sitting at 58°, which is about 3° colder than normal for this time of year. That’s a bit chilly, so wear a good wetsuit.

We’ve got a rough start. The first few days, from Thursday the 3rd through to Saturday the 5th, are a washout. The swell is big, around 10ft to 12ft, but it’s coming from the SSE and SE, and the wind is howling at 28 to 40 mph, cross-off. It’s just not surfable. The combined energy is massive (2390 to 1586), but it’s all wind-blown junk. Leave it.

Sunday the 6th is where things start to look up. The swell drops to 8ft, but it’s now a proper SW groundswell with a 16 to 18 second period, giving it real power. The energy is strong (4090 early on). The wind is lighter, 12 to 15 mph, but it’s still cross-off. It’s a marginal call, but that long period SW is going to wrap in. The sandbar setup at Long Beach (Long Beach) might start to handle it, but the crowds will be a factor—it’s often busy.

By Monday the 7th, the swell is dropping to 6ft to 7ft, and the wind swings around to a light cross or cross-on. The energy is still moderate (1380 to 1722), but the quality is just okay. Not the best, but you could get a few.

Now, the real chance for a clean session shows up on Tuesday the 8th. The swell is down to 3ft to 5ft, but it’s clean SW swell with a 12 second period, and the wind is shifting offshore out of the S at only 3 to 9 mph. That’s glassy, clean conditions. The energy is moderate (555 to 690). It’s not a big day, but if you want a longboard or a fun mid-length, this is your window. It’s the best on offer in the first week.

Wednesday the 9th hangs on with similar clean 4ft SW swell, offshore winds in the morning, but the wind picks up in the afternoon and the session gets blown out.

The second week gets messy. From Thursday the 10th through to Monday the 14th, we’re back to strong winds, mostly cross-off, and a lot of poor surf conditions. The swell is around 5ft to 8ft, but the wind is relentless. The highlight of this rough patch is Sunday the 13th afternoon. The swell is 5ft from the SW at 13 seconds, and the wind goes light offshore out of the SSE. The energy is strong (1871), and the forecast says “very good surf conditions.” That’s a standout for the second week, but it’s a one-day window.

Tuesday the 15th and Wednesday the 16th are smaller, with the swell dropping to 3ft to 6ft, and cleaner conditions. The morning of the 16th is the smallest, but the wind is light and the conditions are clean. It’s a longboard day again.

By Thursday the 17th and Friday the 18th, the wind is back up, with strong and near-gale force winds, and the swell is around 5ft to 6ft. The energy is strong (up to 2156), but the wind is just too much. It’s only for the hardcore.

So, the standout days: Tuesday the 8th and Sunday the 13th afternoon. Both have clean, glassy conditions with offshore or light winds, and proper SW swell. The 8th is smaller and more fun-sized, the 13th has a bit more push. Get on them.

Rusty.

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