Long Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up for Long Beach.

First thing to know: the water’s running a bit colder than usual for this time of year – about 1.4° cooler, so you’ll want that extra layer if you’re spending the morning in the water.

The forecast kicks off Thursday, 20 August morning, and to be honest, this is the standout of the whole outlook. We’ve got a solid 11.5 ft SW groundswell rolling in with a 13-second period. The combined energy is strong at 3903, so there’s plenty of push. It’s a big day – over 8 ft, which makes it one for experienced surfers only. That offshore SSE wind at 9 mph through the morning is going to groom it, keeping it clean and lined up. The afternoon stays clean too, with a 9.8 ft SW swell and 12 mph offshore winds. Thursday is the big ticket, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. Conditions are excellent, but you need to know what you’re doing. Crowds are likely here, so get in early.

Friday, 21 August, things drop quickly. Morning has a 6.6 ft SW swell, but it’s cross-off with a 16 mph SE wind, and the score is marginal. That wind strength is going to mess with the surface a bit. Friday afternoon is smaller at 4.6 ft WSW, still cross-off, but the quality just isn’t there. Not worth getting too excited about.

Saturday, 22 August, is a write-off for paddle surfing. Onshore wind in the morning and poor conditions overall. The afternoon has a cross-on breeze with a 6.2 ft SW swell and poor quality. If you’ve got a kite, the beach setup could be more interesting, but for a surfboard, skip it.

Sunday, 23 August, shows some life. The morning has a 6.9 ft WSW swell with a 13-second period and a cross-off SE wind. It’s marginal, but the afternoon picks up. The afternoon session looks good, with a clean 6.6 ft WSW swell and 12 mph offshore SSE wind. It’s a solid afternoon, clean and lined up, with moderate energy at 1549.

Monday, 24 August, is a letdown. The 19 mph winds hit in the afternoon, blowing out a 4.3 ft WSW swell. The morning at 6.2 ft is marginal with strong cross-off winds. Not your day.

Tuesday, 25 August, offers some size but strong winds again. We’ve got a 7.9 ft SW swell in the morning with a very long 14-second period, but 19 mph SE cross-off winds keep it from being great. This long-period groundswell will favour a point or reef setup, but Long Beach is a sandbar and beach break – it might line up a bit too straight for the sandbar. Afternoon is similar with 6.9 ft WSW and 19 mph winds. Both sessions are marginal.

Wednesday, 26 August, is smaller but cleaner in the afternoon. 4.3 ft WSW swell with a 12-second period, light SW cross-off wind at 6 mph, and good conditions. That light wind makes it a nice, low-key session.

Thursday, 27 August, early morning has a 3.6 ft WSW swell with a light cross-off SE breeze, good for a fun little session. The afternoon gets a longer 15-second period at 3.9 ft, but a 12 mph cross-off wind. It’s marginal, but the longer period could give a few cleaner lines.

Now, Friday, 28 August, is another standout. The afternoon session brings a clean 8.2 ft WSW groundswell with a very long 15-second period and gentle 9 mph cross-off SW winds. Combined energy is strong at 2846. This is excellent for experienced surfers. That long period groundswell at 8.2 ft is going to have plenty of power and shape, but it’s on a beach and sandbar setup – it can break a bit fast and straight, so you need to pick your peak. Still, this is the best session of the second week.

Saturday, 29 August, holds 5.9 ft WSW swell with fresh 19-22 mph offshore S winds. It’s clean but that wind is strong – it’s only for the hardy. The energy is moderate.

Sunday, 30 August, drops in quality. 8.2 ft swell both sessions, but the period drops to 7-8 seconds – that’s short-period, weak windswell. It’s messy and poor, with strong SE winds. Not recommended.

Monday, 31 August, the swell drops right off. Morning has 5.2 ft SE swell at 7 seconds, very weak energy at 404. Afternoon is a tiny 2.3 ft WSW. There’s virtually

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