Long Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on the table for Long Beach over the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, mate, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – this stretch is a tough one. We’ve got a long gap at the start with absolutely nothing worth paddling out for. The first recommendation doesn’t hit until Monday the 24th of August, so you’re looking at a full week of flat, choppy, cross-onshore junk. Most of the period is just poor surf with moderate to fresh easterly winds messing it up.

The one glimmer comes late in the window. On Monday the 24th of August, Long Beach wakes up to a proper groundswell. Morning sees a 8ft swell from the ENE with a long 12-second period, and the combined energy is cranking (1684). That’s strong wave energy. The wind is a cross-shore from the NE at 12 mph, which is not ideal but manageable. The water temp is about average for the time of year. By the afternoon, the wind drops to a light breeze at 6 mph, making for a much cleaner cross-shore with just small ripples. The swell holds at 8ft from the ENE with 11 seconds on the clock and energy still strong (1317). This is the standout session – it’s the only time the wind and swell line up for anything surfable. Keep in mind, this is an exposed beach break and the swell direction (ENE) is not the optimum SE direction, so it won’t be perfect, but it’s the best we’ve got. For beginners, 8-8ft is getting too big; this is for the crew who are comfortable with some size.

After that, it’s back to ordinary. From Tuesday the 25th, the wind swings onshore or cross-onshore, and the quality drops off a cliff. The rest of the month into early September is a long stretch of choppy, lumpy, cross-onshore conditions with swell hanging around 5-6ft but poor quality.

So, take my word – if you’re keen, pencil in Monday the 24th of August, afternoon. That’s your window. The rest? Leave the board in the car for a kite, or wait for the next run.

Rusty.

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