Ocean Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, it’s Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up for Ocean Beach.

Right off the bat, we’re looking at a bit of a mixed bag. The first few days are pretty ordinary – small, short-period slop from the south, nothing to write home about. It’s surfable, but you’ll be working for it.

Sunday morning the 23rd starts with a clean 2ft south swell, but the wind is a stiff cross-offshore from the NNW at 19 mph, and the wave energy is weak (217). The water is a bit colder than normal for this time of year at 54°. That afternoon, it goes glassy offshore with a tiny 2ft swell, but it’s really just a knee-high dribbler.

Monday morning the 24th is still clean but small at 3ft. Then Monday afternoon, things get interesting. The swell jumps to 7ft from the SSW with a lovely 13-second period, and the offshore wind is a gentle 9 mph. The energy is strong (1373). This is excellent surf for experienced surfers, but at over 5ft, it’s not for beginners. The waves will have good shape, and the sets will have some punch.

Tuesday the 25th is a solid day, too. Morning sees 4ft SSW groundswell (12 seconds) with light cross-offshore wind, energy moderate (413). Afternoon drops to 3ft but keeps the offshore breeze and clean lines. These are good, fun waves for a confident intermediate.

Wednesday the 26th gets weird. The morning has a 2ft swell, but that period is a crazy 17 seconds – very long groundswell. The energy is moderate (411), but those long-period swells on a beach break like Ocean Beach can be tricky; they’ll break straight and close out quickly. The afternoon has a tiny cross-shore wind and a 3ft wave, but it’s marginal.

Now, hold on. Thursday the 27th morning is a standout. A 4ft SSW swell with a 17-second period, light cross-offshore wind, and very good energy (933). The waves will be clean, powerful, and have solid shape. This is the best session of the first week, no doubt. The afternoon gets messy with a cross-onshore wind.

Friday the 28th is a write-off – strong winds and marginal surf. The weekend is small and ordinary until…

Monday the 31st of August. This is the real standout. The morning brings a 8ft south swell with a 10-second period and gentle offshore wind. The energy is huge (1091). This is a big, powerful swell – only for experts. The waves will be heavy and fast. The afternoon gets choppy, so get in early.

Tuesday the 1st of September is still good with a 4ft SSW groundswell (16 seconds) and clean conditions. Energy is moderate (654). After that, the week of the 2nd to the 5th is a mix of clean but small surf and increasing winds. The 4th of September has a 5ft south swell with light wind, but the wind picks up in the afternoon. Rain showers hit on the 5th.

The final weekend, the 6th and 7th of September, fades out. Sunday morning the 6th is a gem for the die-hards: glassy conditions with a 3ft swell and 14-second period (303 energy). It’s clean but small. Monday the 7th is tiny.

Overall, the best on offer is Monday afternoon the 24th and Monday morning the 31st of August. The 31st is the biggest, but the 24th has the best balance of size, period, and perfect offshore wind. The 27th morning is also a treat for the long-period crew.

Stay safe, and don’t sleep on that 31st.

Rusty.

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