Nimitz Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

## Imperial

Alright, surfers, Rusty here again, and I’ll be honest – it’s looking like a pretty bleak stretch for the next couple of weeks. We’ve got just the one spot to talk about, and it’s a finicky one.

The only break in the forecast is Nimitz Beach, a reef that’s inconsistent and more of a beginner’s zone. The water’s at 81°F, which is pretty normal for this time of year, so at least you’ll be warm while you’re waiting for a wave.

The first week is a total bust. From Friday, August 7th, all the way through the next week, the surf is barely a ripple. The swell is tiny, mostly under 3 ft, with a constant cross-off wind from the ENE blowing at 18 mph or more. The combined energy is weak, rarely getting past 500 (moderate), and the swell is coming from the SSW or S, which isn’t the spot’s best direction. The reef might be clean, but the waves are just too small and weak to even bother with.

Things start to shift a bit on Wednesday, August 12th. The combined energy jumps to 1057 (strong) with a 3 ft S swell at 18 seconds. That’s a long-period groundswell, but the wind is still cross-off at 18 mph. The waves will be there, but the wind will give them a bit of a rough edge. By Thursday and Friday, the swell hits 4 ft, and by Saturday the 15th, it’s up to 7 ft from the E with a short period of 8 seconds. That’s a messy, choppy mess, and with the wind howling at 28 to 31 mph, it’s more of a kite-surfing session than a paddle. Not for the faint of heart.

The one real standout, if you can call it that, is Wednesday, August 12th in the morning. A 3 ft S swell with a 18-second period, strong energy (1057), and cross-off winds. The swell direction isn’t perfect, but the long period should give it some shape. It’s still a marginal call, but if you’re itching for a paddle, that’s your best bet. The rest of the run is a write-off.

So, a long, quiet stretch with one small glimmer of hope. Tough times, but that’s the ocean for you.

Rusty.

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