Long Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about the local stretch. We’ve got a bit of a mixed bag over the next couple of weeks, with some real gems hiding in there if you’re patient.

The first few days are a write-off, honestly. Friday and Saturday are a no-go with messy winds and poor conditions, so don’t even bother paddling out. The swell is there, but the wind is just ruining it.

Sunday the 23rd is where it starts to get interesting. That morning, Long Beach is looking clean with a 7ft swell from the WSW and a 13-second period. The combined energy is solid (1882), and with a light cross-offshore breeze, it’s going to be shaping up nicely. The afternoon is even better with a 8ft swell and offshore winds. This is the first real standout of the forecast – clean, punchy waves that’ll have you grinning.

Monday and Tuesday look a bit iffy again. The wind picks up on Tuesday, though there’s an 8ft SW swell with a long 14-second period, but that 31 mph cross-offshore wind is going to make it a battle. Probably not worth it unless you’re kitted up for the struggle.

Wednesday the 26th afternoon is a nice surprise. The swell drops a touch to 7ft, but it’s from the SE with a short 8-second period. The energy is still moderate (1202), and the light breeze means it’ll be clean. Good for a fun, quick session.

Thursday the 27th is a dud again, but then Friday the 28th rolls in with a treat. The morning has a 4ft swell from the S with a very long 14-second period, and the cross-offshore breeze is light. The energy is actually decent for the size (1434). This is a classic Long Beach runner – that long period will make the waves fat and smooth, perfect for cruising down the point. The afternoon is even better with a 5ft WSW swell, a 15-second period, and 6 mph cross-offshore wind. Glassy conditions. This is another standout.

The weekend of the 29th and 30th is a wild one. Saturday the 29th is blown out and messy with onshore winds, even though the swell is huge. The morning has a 10ft swell, but it’s a no-go. Sunday the 30th morning, however, is a special one. The water is glassy, with a 10ft WSW swell and a 12-second period. The combined energy is massive (4915). This is for the experienced crew only – it’s going to be big, powerful, and clean. A true session for the charger.

The first few days of September stay solid. Tuesday the 1st is a beauty. The morning is glassy with a 5ft SW groundswell at 13 seconds. The afternoon is the real highlight: a 10ft SW swell with a 15-second period, gentle offshore wind, and a massive energy rating (3871). This is one of the best on offer – clean, strong, and long lines. Don’t sleep on it.

The second week gets messy. Wednesday the 2nd and Thursday the 3rd have huge swell, but the wind is all wrong. Thursday the 3rd afternoon is a strange one: the swell is 18ft from the W with a 14-second period, and it’s dead calm – glassy. But the energy is off the charts (11167). This is a true beast, only for the absolute experts. It’s going to be a washing machine at the beach, so if you’re not a pro, watch from the shore.

The final days of the forecast (Friday the 5th and Saturday the 6th) are mostly blown out with onshore winds, though there’s still plenty of swell. It’s not the time to get excited.

The bottom line: The best bets are Sunday the 23rd, Friday the 28th, and Tuesday the 1st of September. If you’re experienced, Sunday the 30th morning and Thursday the 3rd afternoon are the big-wave days to watch, but be smart about it. The water temp is running a bit colder than normal for this time of year, sitting at 58°, so you’ll want a good wetsuit.

Rusty.

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