Newport Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the table for the next couple of weeks.

To be straight with you – we’re looking at a pretty flat and messy run for Newport Beach. The forecast is calling for a long stretch of poor surf conditions, so don’t get your hopes up for anything decent. The first few days are a bust, and honestly, it’s not until the second week that we see any real energy, but even then, the quality is a letdown.

The water is sitting at a warm 73° with a massive anomaly of 6° warmer than usual – that’s very unusual for this time of year, so at least you’ll be comfortable while you’re waiting for a wave that never comes.

We kick off Saturday, August 1st with a tiny 3ft swell from the SSW, but with onshore and cross-onshore winds, it’s gonna be choppy and weak. The combined energy is only 261 (moderate), but the wave comment says it all: poor surf. Sunday and Monday are even smaller, with 2ft and 1ft, and the energy drops off a cliff – 152 down to 81. The winds are light but still cross-onshore, so you’re looking at small, wind-rippled junk.

The whole first week is a write-off. Tuesday through Friday, we’re stuck on 1ft to 2ft swells, with periods around 12-15 seconds. Long period for such tiny waves just means long waits for nothing. The energy is weak to moderate (96-353), and the wind is either onshore or cross-onshore. No standouts here.

Now, into the second week – Saturday, August 8th, we start to see a bump in energy, with the combined energy hitting 302 and 295, but the swell is still only 2ft to 2ft from the SSW. The wind is cross-onshore, so it’s not clean. By Sunday, August 9th, the swell picks up to 3ft, and the energy is 256-280, but again, cross-onshore breezes are messing it up.

The closest thing to a standout is the period from August 14th to 15th. On Friday, August 14th, the swell is 2ft from the SSW, with a long period of 18 seconds and a combined energy of 547 (strong). That’s the most energy we see in the whole window. The wind is light and cross-onshore, so it’s not glassy, but the energy is there. Saturday, August 15th morning shows 3ft from the SW (the biggest swell of the forecast) with energy at 436, again with cross-onshore winds. The afternoon cleans up to onshore, but still not ideal.

If you absolutely have to paddle out, the morning of Saturday, August 15th at Newport Beach is your best bet – 3ft from the SW, with that long period groundswell (16 seconds). It’s sheltered, so it might hold a bit of shape, but the cross-onshore wind will keep it bumpy. This is a beginner-friendly spot, but with the swell only 3ft, it’s fine for all levels. Crowds are likely here – it’s often busy.

The rest of the second week, August 16th, drops back to 2ft with cross-onshore winds and moderate energy. Not worth rushing for.

Overall, it’s a pretty blank run. The forecast can change, but as it stands, there’s nothing to get excited about. The best you can hope for is a few small, bumpy waves with a bit of push from that long-period groundswell. If you’re a kiter, the onshore winds might give you something, but for paddle surfing, it’s a tough watch.

Rusty.

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