Ocean Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let’s get real about what’s happening at Ocean Beach.

Right now, and for a good long stretch, the surf is not cooperating. We’re looking at a run of small, weak, and messy waves. The water is sitting at a very unusual 62° – a massive 5° warmer than average for this time of year, so you won’t need a thick wetsuit, but don’t expect any quality waves to go with that comfort.

The first real pulse of energy doesn’t arrive until Sunday, August 9th. That morning brings a 5ft swell from the WNW with a short period of 10 seconds. The combined energy jumps to 649 (moderate) but the wind is onshore from the WSW at 6 mph. It’s a marginal call at best, and the afternoon goes downhill with 16 mph onshores.

Monday the 10th through Thursday the 13th is more of the same – 3ft to 5ft of WNW swell, but period stays short between 8 and 11 seconds, and we’re stuck with a persistent cross-onshore or onshore wind from the WSW at 9 to 16 mph. The wave energy is moderate (357 to 491), but the quality is poor. For a beach break like Ocean Beach, that short-period, wind-affected swell just won’t hold its shape.

Now, there is a little glimmer. Friday, August 14th morning, the swell drops to 2ft but the period stretches out to 19 seconds – that’s a very long period groundswell. The combined energy is still a moderate 448. But the wind is cross-onshore from the WSW at 9 mph, and for a beach break, that long period will likely make the waves break too straight and close out. It’s a tease.

The next stand-out window is Saturday, August 15th morning. We get a 3ft swell from the SW at a solid 16-second period, combined energy hits 509 (moderate), and the wind is light from the WSW at 6 mph – just a light cross-onshore. It’s rated as marginal, but of all the days, this one has the most potential for a few clean, lined-up waves if you pick your spot. Crowds are often here, so don’t expect solitude.

After that, we roll into another flat spell. From Monday, August 17th through Thursday, August 20th, the swell stays tiny (2ft to 3ft), period drops back to 14-16 seconds, and we’re back to the same cross-onshore winds. Energy drops to the 217-337 range (weak to moderate). It’s small and not worth the paddle.

The pick of the fortnight: Saturday, August 15th morning. The 3ft SSW swell, long 16-second period, and light wind make it the cleanest option on the board. But keep your expectations in check – it’s still a marginal day.

Rusty

Read more