Manhattan Beach and Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what we’ve got coming our way for Manhattan Beach and Pier.

To be straight with you, the next couple of weeks are looking pretty quiet. We’ve got a long stretch of small, weak, and choppy conditions on the cards. For the most part, the swell is tiny, the wind is never quite right, and the energy just isn't there to get excited about. The water is sitting at a very warm 71°, which is much warmer than usual for this time of year, so at least you won’t need a thick suit.

We’re looking at a big gap of days with nothing worth paddling out for. From Monday the 17th of August right through to Friday the 28th of August, the surf is poor. Swell heights are stuck between 1.0 ft and 2 ft, with a weak to moderate combined energy (mostly between 122 and 300). The wind is either cross-on or onshore for most of that time, keeping the surface messy with wind ripples and chop. There’s no real stand-out session in there, just a few morning windows where the wind is light, but the swell is too small to bother with.

Honestly, if you’re a kite surfer, some of those afternoons with a moderate breeze and choppy conditions might look more interesting than they do for a paddle surfer. For us, it’s a waiting game.

Now, there is a glimmer of hope right at the tail end of the forecast. Saturday the 29th of August morning is the one to circle on your calendar. We’ve got a clean, glassy feel with a light cross-offshore breeze from the S, and the swell lifts to a modest 2 ft from the SSW with a period of 17 seconds. That longer period means it’ll have a bit more shape and energy, with combined energy hitting a solid 351. The waves will be clean and the crowd at Manhattan Beach and Pier is often there, so get there early.

Monday the 31st of August morning is another one to watch. Expect 3 ft from the SSW with a period of 15 seconds and combined energy of 330. The wind is light and cross, so conditions will be workable, though it’s still just under that “good” threshold for me.

Finally, Tuesday the 1st of September morning sees a clean morning again with light cross-offshore wind and 2 ft from the SSW, with combined energy at 274. It’s small but clean, and worth a look if you’re jonesing.

So, if you can wait, Saturday the 29th of August morning is your best bet. Clean, longer period swell, and a chance at a few fun ones.

Rusty.

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