Manresa State Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the line for us.

Right off the bat, the next couple of days are a write-off. Sunday’s got a bit of swell but the wind is all wrong – messy cross-onshore junk and a tiny 2ft SSW groundswell with a period of 13 seconds. The water is way warmer than normal for this time of year at 63°, which is a solid 4° above average – feels more like a tropical bathtub than a surf spot, but it’s not doing us any favours today. You’re better off staying on the beach.

Monday morning the 14th is the first real glimmer. The wind goes glassy, dead calm, and we get a clean 5ft WNW swell, period 9 seconds. Combined wave energy is moderate at 463 – it’s not a massive day, but for a beginner spot like Manresa State Beach, it’s about as good as it gets. That glassy surface will make it look like a lake out there. If you’re learning, that’s your window. The afternoon turns cross-onshore and bumpy though, so get it while it’s clean.

Tuesday morning the 15th has a bit more size – 4ft – with clean offshore wind, but the wave comment flags it as marginal, and the combined energy is still only moderate (372). The afternoon goes to 4ft with onshore wind and poor conditions. Honestly, nothing here screams “go.”

Wednesday through Saturday of that first week are all in that 3 to 4ft range, mostly with clean offshore wind in the mornings, but the wave quality is rated as marginal or poor. The period drops to 8 seconds at times, which is short-period chop – not the kind of wave that gets you excited. The combined energy is moderate, peaking around 414-524, but the consistency doesn’t make up for the lack of quality.

Now, here’s the kicker – from Sunday the 20th through to the end of the outlook, it’s a long stretch of small, marginal surf. We’re looking at 2 to 3ft SSW groundswells with periods of 16 to 19 seconds. That’s a very long period, which means the waves will be clean and have some punch for their size, but they’re tiny. The combined energy is still moderate (in the 300-500 range), but the size is just too small for any real fun. The wind is mostly offshore or light cross-onshore, so it’ll look pretty, but you’ll be struggling to get a ride.

There’s one exception: Saturday morning the 26th has a glassy start with a 2ft SSW swell, period 13 seconds. Combined energy is 320 – still weak. It’s a “good surf conditions” call, but it’s small. For a beginner, that might be a fun little session, but for anyone else, it’s a paddle.

The standout? Monday morning the 14th. That glassy, clean 5ft WNW swell with moderate energy is the best on offer. It’s not a classic, but it’s the only time the stars align for decent shape and no wind. If you’re a beginner, that’s your day. If you’re more experienced, you’re probably waiting for something bigger, but it’s not coming in this 16-day window.

The rest of the period is a long, drawn-out stretch of small, clean but underwhelming surf. It’s not going to be flat, but it’s not going to be exciting either.

Rusty.

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