Nimitz Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, surfers, Rusty here, breaking down the next couple of weeks at Nimitz Beach.

Honestly, it’s a rough start. From Saturday, August 29th, right through the first week, the surf is mostly poor or just marginal. The water is warm, about 81°F, which is nothing unusual for this time of year, but the waves are a letdown. You’re looking at tiny, weak swell with persistent cross-off winds. The energy is moderate, but the quality is lacking. It’s a real slog.

Things get a little better on Wednesday, September 2nd, with a small bump to 3ft from the south, but it’s still not great. The wind is a moderate cross-off from the east, so the surface is clean, but the waves are just ordinary. Not worth the drive.

The one true standout, and the only one I’d get excited about, is on Thursday, September 10th. That afternoon, we see a solid jump in swell to 10ft from the east, with a short period of 8 seconds. The combined energy hits 2346—that’s strong, powerful stuff. The wind is a moderate cross-off from the east-northeast, keeping it glassy. This is a big, powerful swell, definitely for experts only. The short period will make it punchy and a bit wild. This is the best on offer, but it’s a long way out, so it’s promising but not certain.

After that, the surf drops off fast. Friday the 11th has another 8ft swell from the south, but the wind turns fresh and cross-onshore, making it lumpy and messy. Not a good call. By Sunday the 13th, the swell is tiny again, only 1ft to 3ft, with glassy conditions in the afternoon, but it’s a weak finish.

So, the first week is a bust for decent waves. The highlight is a short window in the middle of the second week. If you’re a beginner, this whole period is either too small or too big for you. For the experienced crew, circle that Thursday, September 10th afternoon, but keep an eye on the wind.

Rusty.

Read more