Ocean Beach Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s coming up for Ocean Beach Pier.

It’s looking like a bit of a slow start, with a lot of marginal conditions and some poor surf in the mix. The first real window of opportunity doesn’t actually show up until Wednesday morning, August 26th, but even then, it’s not exactly firing. We’ve got a 4ft swell from the SSW with a 12-second period, producing moderate wave energy (719). The problem? The wind is a cross-on from the SW at 6 mph, which has it a bit messy. The better bet is Wednesday afternoon, August 26th, when the wind drops to a glassy 3 mph from the SW. That cleans things right up, and with a 4ft S swell and 12-second period, combined energy at 604, you’ll be looking at some fun, clean lines. This is the first standout. The water temp is about average for the time of year, so no surprises there.

The rest of the week into the weekend is a real mixed bag of small, weak swells and cross to onshore wind. The swell stays small, mostly under 3ft, and the wind keeps it bumpy. By Monday, August 31st, it’s looking poor, with onshore winds and barely any energy in the water. The next real chance to get excited comes the following week.

Jumping ahead to Wednesday, September 3rd, we see a bit of a boost. Thursday morning, September 3rd, has a 6ft swell from the SW, period at 12 seconds, and combined energy hitting 881. The wind is a light cross-on from the WNW at 6 mph, so it’s not perfect, but the size is there. That afternoon, the energy actually jumps to 1041, but the wind picks up to a gentle breeze from the NW, still cross-on, so expect some chop.

The real standout in the longer range, though, is Wednesday, September 9th. The afternoon session looks glassy with a 3 mph wind from the WSW, and a 4ft SW swell with a 16-second period. That’s a long-period groundswell, and at Ocean Beach Pier, a beach-and-reef setup, it’s going to bring some proper shape and energy (782 combined). The cross-offshore wind will have it lined up beautifully. It’s a little far out, so treat it as promising but not locked in.

And for the final day in the forecast, Thursday, September 10th, the morning sees a solid 4ft SSW swell with a 16-second period and strong energy (1103). The wind is a light cross-on from the NW, so it’s not glassy, but the size and period will still produce some fun, powerful waves.

Overall, the best on offer is Wednesday afternoon, August 26th, for the glassy conditions, and then Wednesday afternoon, September 9th, for the clean, long-period groundswell. Keep an eye on the wind, as always.

Rusty.

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