Manasquan Inlet Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. This is Rusty, and I’m looking at the next 16 days for Manasquan Inlet. Honestly, it’s a pretty quiet stretch, but we’ve got a couple of windows worth paddling out for.

Right now, we’re kicking off the first week with only small, rideable waves, but nothing that’ll get your heart racing. The first real chance to get wet is Saturday morning, August 8th. The swell is tiny at 1 ft from the SE, with a weak combined energy of only 43 (weak energy). The water is a touch warmer than normal at 76°, which feels nice. A light cross-offshore breeze keeps things clean, but it’s just not enough push to get excited about.

Saturday afternoon picks up a little – 3 ft from the S, but the period is a short 5 seconds, so it’s a bit crumbly. The offshore wind from the WSW at 12 mph will keep the surface glassy, but the energy is still weak (57). It’s the same story for Sunday morning and afternoon – 2 ft to 3 ft, clean with gentle offshore winds, but the combined energy stays under 100. It’s surfable, but you’ll be working for every little ride.

Then we hit a real dry spell. From Monday, August 10th all the way through to Tuesday, August 18th, you’re looking at a long stretch of flat, poor surf. The swell barely reaches 2 ft, the energy numbers are mostly in the teens or low twenties, and the wind is all over the place – cross-shore, onshore, even a few glassy days but with zero swell. It’s a blank run, and it’s not unusual for this area to go quiet like this.

The first sign of life comes on Wednesday, August 19th. The afternoon shows a bump in swell to 5 ft from the S, with a period of 5 seconds (short period). The combined energy climbs to 143 (moderate wave energy), and with a light cross-offshore breeze, it’ll be clean. It’s still not a standout, but it’s the best we’ve seen in over a week.

Thursday morning, August 20th is actually the pick of the whole forecast. The swell is 4 ft from the SSE, period is 7 seconds, and the combined energy jumps to 207 (moderate wave energy). A cross-offshore wind from the NNW at 9 mph will keep the waves clean. It’s not huge, but for this stretch, it’s the most energy we’ve got. The swell direction (SSE) is close to the optimum for this spot, and the break is exposed, so it should pick up what’s on offer. The water is about average for the time of year. Keep in mind, Manasquan Inlet is a beach/jetty setup, and it’s advanced, so it can get a little punchy when it’s on. The crowds are often here, so expect company.

After that, Friday, August 21st through Sunday, August 23rd drops back to small, weak surf with energy in the 30-60 range. The wind turns cross-shore and cross-on, so it’s mostly choppy and unappealing.

So, if you’re looking for the best on offer, aim for Thursday morning, August 20th – it’s the most promising window with the most energy and clean conditions. Wednesday afternoon, August 19th is your second option. For the rest, it’s a waiting game.

Stay patient, and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Rusty

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