Ocean Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what the next couple of weeks are serving up. We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but don’t write it off just yet because there’s some serious muscle coming in the second week.

Right now, the water temperature at Ocean Beach is sitting at 55°, which is just about normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first session worth paddling out for is Sunday morning, July 12th. We’ve got a clean 4 ft swell rolling in from the ESE with a period of 9 seconds. The combined energy is moderate at 483, and with a light offshore breeze from the WSW, it’s going to be glassy. Those early birds will find some fun, user-friendly waves. The crowd can be around sometimes, but on a Sunday morning with that setup, it’s worth the company.

Monday morning, July 13th, is smaller at 3 ft, and the wind is a light cross-offshore from the WNW. It’s surfable, but it’s pretty ordinary. Not a standout, but you won’t be fighting anyone for scraps.

Then we hit a dry spell. Tuesday through to Thursday morning sees tiny, weak waves and poor quality. The combined energy drops to under 100 on Tuesday afternoon (80) and even 69 on Wednesday morning. It’s a real lull, so you’re better off fixing your dings or waiting for the weekend.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Friday morning, July 17th, is the first real standout. The swell jumps to 5 ft from the ESE with a long 15-second period—that’s proper groundswell energy. The combined energy is a strong 1147, and with a light cross-offshore breeze from the NW, it’s going to be clean and powerful. This is the kind of day that’ll have you grinning. By Friday afternoon, it’s even bigger at 6 ft, with the same quality. This is the best on offer in the first week, no question.

Saturday, July 18th, gets bigger but messier. The morning is 6 ft with a strong cross-offshore, but the wind is howling at 22 mph from the SSW. The afternoon bumps up to 7 ft from the south, but with a 19 mph cross-shore wind, it’s going to be lumpy. This is more of a kite-surfing setup than a paddle session.

Sunday morning, July 19th, is another standout. Swell is 7 ft from the south with a 15-second period. The combined energy is a very strong 2539, and the wind is a light offshore from the NW. This is for experienced surfers only—over 8 ft, it’s expert territory. If you’ve got the skills, this is the pick of the run.

Monday, July 20th, is still solid at 5 ft, clean and cross-offshore, but it’s a step down from the weekend.

Then we hit another rough patch. From Tuesday, July 21st, through to the end of the week, the weather turns ugly. There’s rain, strong onshore winds, and the swell gets blown out. On Wednesday afternoon, July 22nd, it’s a massive 10 ft but with a short 8-second period and strong onshore winds—that’s a washing machine, not a surf break. Thursday morning, July 23rd, hits 18 ft with 28 mph onshore winds. That’s a total write-off unless you’re a masochist.

The final week from July 24th to 27th has some serious size, but again, it’s mostly too big for the break. Friday through Saturday are 15 ft to 18 ft with light winds, but the forecast says it’s too big for Ocean Beach. The swell is coming from the east with a 11-12 second period. The combined energy on Saturday morning, July 25th, is a whopping 16435—that’s very strong energy. It’s a spectacle, but unless you’re a tow-in crew, give it a miss.

Sunday morning, July 26th, is the last hope. Swell drops to a cleaner 8 ft from the east, with a light offshore wind. The period is 11 seconds, and the combined energy is 2980. This is a solid expert wave again. It’s clean, but it’s still big.

Monday, July 27th, is back to 8 ft but with a gentle cross-shore wind and a bit of chop. It’s marginal.

So, the bottom line: your absolute best windows are Friday morning, July 17th, and Sunday morning, July 19th. Get out there early, enjoy the power, and stay safe.

Rusty.

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