Ocean Beach Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, checkin' in from the beach. Let's talk about what's ahead for Ocean Beach Pier.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start on our hands. The next few days are looking pretty flat and messy with that south wind and cross-chop, so don't bother paddling out just yet. You’ll have to wait until the weekend for anything even worth a look.

The first real chance for a wave comes on Sunday the 19th. The swell is still small, around 3 ft from the SW, but there's a bit of energy starting to build. The wind is light and cross-on, so it's not perfect, but it's the first sign of life. By Sunday afternoon, the swell picks up to 4 ft from the SSW, but the wind goes onshore, killing the vibe. The whole week after that is a tale of onshore winds and marginal surf. It’s tough, but the swell energy is actually there, sitting in the moderate to strong range.

Now, the standout in this entire forecast is the morning of Saturday the 25th. The swell is a clean 3 ft from the SW, with a long period of 21 seconds, and the combined energy is solid. The wind is light and onshore, but with that period, it’s a groundswell that will wrap right into the pier. The break is a beach and reef setup, so that long period might make it a bit straight, but it should still offer some nice, clean lines. The water temp is a balmy 72°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year, so you won't need a thick suit.

The following Monday the 27th also looks promising, with a 4 ft to 4 ft swell from the SW and the wind looking light and variable. The energy is pumping in the afternoon. That’s a solid swell for the pier, but it’s not huge, so it’s manageable for most intermediate surfers. Keep in mind, this is a long-range call, so it’s promising but not a sure thing.

After the 27th, it starts to fade again. The swells get smaller and the winds get difficult, so pick your windows carefully. The later part of the month and into August is looking pretty poor, with a lot of onshore flow and weak energy.

So, if you're looking for the best of the best, set your alarm for Saturday the 25th. The long-period groundswell and the lighter winds should make for the cleanest, most fun waves of the whole two weeks. The crowds are often a factor at the pier, so expect some company. Get out there early.

Rusty.

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