Nags Head Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's take a look at what's cookin' for the Outer Banks.

First things first, I gotta be straight with you. Looking at the whole 16-day window, it's a tough one. The wave energy is weak as dishwater, with the combined energy of all swells directed here barely cracking 80 for most of the run. We're looking at a long stretch of small, messy surf. The water temperature is a chilly 76°, which is a full 4° colder than normal for this time of year – that's a notable chill, so a spring suit might be the call.

Starting off Tuesday the 28th through the end of July, it's a write-off. We're talking ankle-snappers at best, with a 0.7ft to 2ft swell from the ESE or SE. That's a short-period, windswell mess. The wind is all over the place, mostly cross or onshore, just making it choppy and crummy. Friday the 31st afternoon is the worst, with a tiny 0.7ft wave and a moderate cross-onshore breeze. Forget it.

The first week of August doesn't offer much relief. We get a bit of a bump on Sunday the 2nd, with a 2ft swell from the SE, but it's on the back of a moderate cross-onshore wind and a risk of thunderstorms. The combined energy only hits 60 there, so it's still weak. Monday the 3rd is a bit cleaner with a cross-offshore wind, but we're still stuck with that weak, short-period SE swell. The real kicker comes on Thursday the 6th afternoon when the swell jumps to 4ft from the S, but it's got a measly period of 5 seconds. That's all chop and no power, and the combined energy is still only 80. It's a beach break setup, and with that kind of weak, short-period mush, it's looking more interesting for a kite than a paddle.

Now, there is a tiny glimmer. Saturday the 8th morning, we get a real treat with glassy conditions. The wind goes dead calm, and it's clear skies. Unfortunately, the swell is still a pathetic 1ft from the SE with an 8-second period. The combined energy is a paltry 39. It will be knee-high and clean, but you'll be scratching for anything. That's the only real standout for a clean wave, but it's a very small one.

For the second week, it's more of the same. A few sessions with a clean cross-offshore wind on the 11th and 12th, but the swell is tiny – 0.7ft to 1ft. The combined energy never gets above 36. You might get a fun little ankle-snapper, but it's not worth getting excited about.

Honestly, this is a tough stretch. The only spot on the menu is Nags Head Pier, a beach/jetty setup that's usually consistent, but the swell just isn't cooperating. If you're dying for a paddle, the glassy morning of Saturday the 8th is your best bet, but keep your expectations low. It's a blank run for the most part, but this is the Outer Banks – forecasts can change.

Rusty.

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