National Park Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. Right now, it’s pretty quiet out there. For the next few days, we’ve got small, weak swell and mostly ordinary conditions. The real action doesn’t kick in until the second week of the forecast, so we’ve got a bit of a wait.

Starting Sunday, August 30th, National Park (a point break) has a tiny 2ft E swell with a short 8-second period, and it’s coming in with a moderate SE offshore breeze. The combined energy is weak at 54, and the water is 68°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year. It’s surfable, but nothing to write home about. Sunday afternoon picks up a bit to 5ft from the SE, but with a 6-second period, it’s messy and short-period. There’s a bit more energy (217), but it’s not quality surfing.

Monday, August 31st and Tuesday, September 1st drop right back to tiny 1ft to 2ft waves with poor conditions. The wind stays offshore, but the swell is just too small to get excited about. Wednesday, September 2nd through Saturday, September 6th is a real dry spell – onshore or cross-shore winds, and the swell never gets above 4ft. The energy is low, and most days are rated as poor. You’re looking at a gap of about 5 days with no real recommendations.

Now, things start to look up from Sunday, September 6th afternoon. We get a 4ft NNE swell with a light cross-offshore breeze and clean conditions. Still small, but it’s a step in the right direction. Monday, September 7th morning has a tiny 1ft SSE groundswell with a 12-second period, which is long-period, but it’s just too small to do much with. The energy is only 59.

The standout window opens up on the morning of Thursday, September 10th. We’ve got a 5ft swell from the ESE, with a fresh SSE offshore wind keeping it clean. The energy is moderate at 206, and it’s the start of a solid run. But the real highlight comes on Friday, September 11th. That morning, we see 6ft from the ESE, with a 7-second period and a moderate SSE offshore wind. The combined energy is 265 – solid, moderate energy. The wind is offshore and clean, and the swell direction is in the ballpark for this point. This is the best on offer. The waves will be a bit short-period, but with offshore wind and a point break set-up, it’ll be fun and clean. It’s not too big for intermediates, but at 6ft, beginners might find it a bit punchy.

Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th keep the quality going. Saturday afternoon has 6ft from the E, with a 7-second period and moderate offshore wind. Energy jumps to 315. Sunday morning is 6ft from the E, with a gentle SE offshore breeze and energy at 390. The wind is light, the swell is solid, and it’s looking clean. Monday, September 14th is the final standout: 6ft from the ENE, with a 8-second period, a light SSE offshore wind, and the highest energy of the run at 443. This is a moderate, solid swell with clean conditions. For a point break, this is prime. The long-period caveat doesn’t really apply here – 8 seconds is short-period, so it’ll be a bit more sectiony, but the offshore wind and point setup should still produce some good rides.

Crowds at National Park are often, so expect company, especially on these better days. The break is fairly consistent, so it’s not a surprise when it turns on.

For the long-range standouts (Friday, September 11th through Monday, September 14th), the confidence is moderate. It’s close enough to be promising, but always keep an eye on the forecast as we get closer.

Overall, the first week is a write-off for decent surf. The second week, especially from the 11th to the 14th, is the real deal. If you can wait, it’ll be worth it.

Rusty

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