Ocean Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what Ocean Beach has in store for us over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a decent window coming up. Monday afternoon kicks things off with a clean 6 ft SSW swell, period a solid 13 seconds, and a light cross-offshore breeze. The water’s sitting at 54°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so you might want an extra mil. The combined energy is pumping at (1108), so there’s some real push behind it. It’s a good start.

Tuesday morning keeps the fun rolling with a smaller 3 ft SSW swell, still clean. Then Tuesday afternoon is the real gem: glassy conditions with only 3 ft of groundswell from the SSW, 12-second period, and the wind goes completely glass. That’s pure, smooth lines at Ocean Beach. Magic.

Wednesday sees the swell drop a touch more to 3 ft, but that period jumps to 18 seconds on the morning session – that’s serious long-period groundswell. At a beach-and-reef setup like this, those waves might break a bit straight, but the energy is classy and the paddle out will be easy. The afternoon holds 3 ft with a 16-second period, still clean.

Thursday morning gets a bit trickier. The swell bumps back up to 5 ft from the SSW with that same 18-second period, but the wind swings onshore from the S at 9 mph, putting some cross-chop on it. The combined energy is strong at (1683), but it’s going to be a bit lumpy. The afternoon turns into a full onshore mess with 6 ft and E wind.

Friday is a write-off. Strong N winds at 16 mph and messy surf. Saturday is marginal at best, with onshore winds and small, weak swell. Sunday morning offers a brief glimmer: 2 ft from the S, offshore wind from the WNW, and clean conditions. The swell energy is low at (125), so it’s just a little fun-sized wave for the dawn patrol.

We hit a bit of a lull after that. Sunday afternoon into Monday morning is quiet, but Monday the 31st picks up again with a clean 3 ft SSW swell and offshore wind. The period jumps to 16 seconds, giving it some real quality. That session is worth the wait.

Now for the standout. Tuesday the 1st of September is the one to circle. The morning brings a massive 12 ft S swell with a 14-second period – combined energy of (4206) – but it’s flagged as too big for this break. Only the most experienced will even paddle out. The afternoon, however, is the gold: a still-chunky 8 ft S swell, clean with light offshore wind, and the conditions look absolutely excellent for those who can handle it. That’s your window if you’ve got the skills.

After that, Wednesday through Friday mornings offer clean but smaller swell in the 4 ft to 3 ft range. The period drops, so it’s more of a fun-sized cruiser.

Then we get a massive spike on Saturday the 5th of September: a 20 ft S swell with a 12-second period and combined energy over (10579). That’s immense, but again, it’s too big for Ocean Beach. Sunday the 6th still has 10 ft from the SE, but the wind is cross and lumpy.

The final few days tail off with small, messy surf. Tuesday the 8th of September is the last real mention – a tiny 1 ft from the SSE with clean wind. Not much to get excited about.

For the best bet, I’d point you straight to Tuesday afternoon the 25th of August for that glassy, clean 3 ft SSW groundswell. Then if you’re an experienced surfer, Tuesday the 1st of September afternoon with the 8 ft S swell and clean conditions is the big one. Crowds are sometimes a factor at Ocean Beach, so plan accordingly.

Stay safe, read the conditions, and I’ll see you out there.

Rusty.

Read more