Long Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get real about the next couple of weeks. It’s a bit of a tough stretch, to be honest. We’re looking at a lot of cross-onshore wind and lumpy, chopped-up conditions for most of the run. There isn't much clean surf on the menu, so we’ve got to be patient. The water temperature is sitting at 84°, which is about normal for this time of year, so you can get away with a thin suit.

Right now, and for the next several days, it's all systems go for the wind machine. The easterly flow is going to be cranking, messing up what little swell we have. For the first week, expect poor surf. There’s some energy in the water, but it’s weak to moderate at best, with the combined swell energy hovering between 211 and 613. The swell is coming from the ENE, but it’s short-period windswell, and the onshore breeze is going to turn it into a mess. This isn't a time for high hopes; it's more about getting wet if you’re desperate.

The only real window that even looks interesting is around the 25th of August. We finally see a jump in size with the swell hitting 8ft, and the period stretching out to 12 seconds. That’s a proper groundswell, and the energy jumps to a strong 1699. But don't get too excited. The wind is still cross, and the conditions are described as marginal, so it’s a far cry from perfect. This could be a score for the experts, but it’s not going to be a clean day at the office. The same day in the afternoon looks a touch better, with the swell at 8ft and an 11-second period, but it’s a similar story.

After that brief pulse, we go right back into the same pattern of moderate, short-period swell and onshore winds for the rest of the month and into September. The energy is still there, but it's all muddled up. There is a day on the 31st with a 12-second period but only 3ft of swell, so it's weak. The first of September has a 10-second period, but it's still cross-shore.

Honestly, the pick of the lot, if I had to choose, is the morning of the 25th of August over at Long Beach (this region). It has the best combination of size and period, with the ENE swell direction being the most favorable. It’s inconsistent though, so you’ll be waiting for the sets. If you’re an expert looking for a challenge, that’s your window. For everyone else, this might be a better time to check the wind for kitesurfing, because the paddle surfing is going to be a battle. It looks like a long stretch of poor quality, but forecasts can change, so keep an eye on it.

Rusty.

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