North Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it. We’ve got a long stretch ahead for North Beach, and honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. We’re looking at some solid swell windows, but the winds are gonna be the main character for a lot of this period, so you gotta pick your moments.

The first real chance to get wet comes Monday, August 31st, but it’s a tough call. The swell is a weak 4ft from the east, with a period of 9 seconds, and the combined energy is weak at 271. The water is sitting at 70°, which is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual there. The wind is a cross-shore, and the report says marginal surf with questionable tide, so it’s not exactly firing. It’s a maybe session for the die-hards.

Tuesday, September 1st, is a write-off. The swell drops to 3ft with onshore winds blowing it out. Don’t bother.

Wednesday, September 2nd, has a bit of a weird one. The morning is a fresh 19 mph cross-shore with 4ft of weak ENE swell, making for lumpy, poor conditions. But the afternoon? A tiny 2ft of swell from the SSW, but with a super long 16-second period. The combined energy is moderate at 429. That long period groundswell is going to be breaking straight and fat at a beach break, so it’s not ideal, but it’s a sign of energy in the water. Still, I’d call it a wait-and-see.

Thursday, September 3rd, and Friday, September 4th, are no good. The wind is on it or cross-onshore, and the swell is mixed up. Thursday afternoon sees a lumpy 7ft, but the wind is fresh and onshore, so it’s a mess.

Now, the standout. Saturday, September 5th, is the day to circle. The morning is looking clean. We’ve got a solid 8ft of swell from the southeast, with a 9-second period, and the combined energy is strong at 1164. The wind is a light cross-shore, just 6 mph, meaning clean lines and small ripples. This is a proper fun-sized wave for intermediate surfers, but at 8ft, it’s getting a bit punchy for beginners. The water is still around 70°, and the crowds are a possibility at North Beach, so get in early.

Sunday, September 6th, is for experts only. The morning swell is a big 12ft from the SSE, with a combined energy of 2080, and the wind is a fresh cross-shore. The report even says it’s predicted to be too big for this break. Even with the right wind, that’s a washing machine for a beach break. The afternoon is a heavy 5ft of 21-second period groundswell, but with a 28 mph cross-shore, making it a total mess. Honestly, this setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

The following week is a slow fade. Monday, September 7th, through Wednesday, September 9th, is all onshore wind and lumpy, poor conditions, with swell ranging from 6ft to 10ft. Not worth the paddle.

Thursday, September 10th, is another bright spot. The morning is clean with a light cross-offshore wind and an 8ft swell from the ENE. The combined energy is strong at 1166, and the report says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” That’s a big swell for a beach break, and it’s a short 7-second period, so it’ll be a bit walled up. This is for the experienced crew only.

After that, Friday the 11th and Saturday the 12th are marginal, with moderate cross-shore winds and dropping swell. The rest of the 16-day window is a bust. From Sunday, September 13th, all the way through Tuesday, September 15th, the wind is onshore or cross-onshore, and the swell is weak and inconsistent, with combined energy dropping below 200. It’s a flat spell.

So, to sum it up: Saturday, September 5th morning is your best bet for a fun, clean session with the crew. Thursday, September 10th morning is the one for the experienced surfers looking for a powerful, clean wall. Everything else is a gamble or a washout.

Rusty.

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