Ocean Beach Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what the ocean's got cookin'.

First things first, the water temperature is sitting at 70°, which is about average for this time of year, so no surprises when you first dip your toes in.

Right off the bat, we're looking at a pretty flat spell. The first few days are a write-off. We've got tiny waves and dodgy conditions. Thursday the 20th and Friday the 21st offer up some 2-2ft swell from the SW, but the wind is cross-on and the energy is weak (306-253). The combined energy is barely into three digits, just not worth paddling out for. Then Saturday the 22nd through to Tuesday the 27th of August is a real desert. The swell stays small, under 3ft, and the conditions are flagged as poor or marginal. You're looking at a solid week of nothing worth getting wet for. The wind is mostly onshore or cross-on, just messy.

Now, let's talk about a glimmer of hope later on. Around Wednesday the 27th of August, things start to change. The swell picks up to 5ft from the SSW, and the combined energy jumps up to 904-951. It's still described as marginal, but the wind is light or gentle, which is a big improvement. The afternoon of the 27th looks the best of this patch, with a 5ft SSW swell and light cross-on breezes. It's still not epic, but it's the first real peak.

The standout, and I mean the only real standout in this whole forecast, is around Thursday the 4th and Friday the 5th of September. We're looking at a 5ft swell from the WNW. The combined energy hits 712, which is moderate, and the wind is light cross-on Friday morning. It's not massive, but after all that flatness, it's the best wave we've got. Swell direction from the WNW is right on the money for Ocean Beach Pier.

The catch? Ocean Beach Pier is a consistent spot, but it's also "often" crowded. Expect company. Also, with that period around 10 seconds, it's a shorter period swell, so the waves will be a bit more crumbly and less powerful than you'd get from a long period groundswell. The light winds will keep it clean though.

For the beginners: The 5ft is right on the edge. If you're comfortable with that size you'll be fine, but it might be a bit much if you're new to it. The 5ft swell on the 27th is also borderline.

Overall, it's a lean month. Don't expect much until the tail end of the forecast period. The surf is basically on life support until September rolls around.

Stay patient, Rusty.

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