Oceanic Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you – looking at this 16-day window for Oceanic Pier, it’s a real flat spell. There’s a big gap of quiet water right at the start, with nothing worth paddling out for until Friday afternoon on the 7th, and even then, it’s a struggle. The first few days are a write-off, so don’t bother waxing up until at least the weekend.

The whole pattern is dominated by weak, short-period windswell from the southeast. The energy is mostly pathetic, sitting in the double digits for most of the run. The water temperature is sitting at about 81°F, which is pretty much normal for this time of year, so at least you won’t need a steamer.

Friday, August 7th – Sunday, August 9th
We finally see a tiny pulse come in Friday afternoon. Swell is a measly 3 ft from the SE with a short 8-second period. The combined energy is moderate at best, hitting 102. The wind is a cross-shore breeze from the south at 12 mph, which is going to put a bit of a chop on it. It’s poor surf, but it’s something. Saturday morning is similar, with 3 ft SE swell and a gentle cross-shore, but the energy drops to 112. It’s still ‘poor’ conditions. Sunday sees the swell drop back to 2 ft with an even shorter 7-second period, and the energy plummets to 26. It’s flat again.

Midweek (August 11th – 14th)
The middle of the week is a total dud. Swell barely hits 1.0 ft, and the energy is in single digits. The wind does go offshore from the west on Tuesday and Wednesday, which would be perfect for grooming, but there’s simply no water moving. You’d be bobbing around on a lake. The combined energy is a pathetic 9-11. It’s a waste of time.

The “Best” of the Bunch (August 16th – 17th)
If you’re desperate, the only real standout in this whole forecast is the afternoon of Sunday, August 16th. The swell bumps up to 4 ft from the ESE, with a period of only 5 seconds – that’s basically just wind chop. The combined energy is 62, which is still weak. The wind is onshore from the east at 12 mph, so it’s going to be a messy, choppy mess. Not exactly a classic. Then Monday the 17th shows a little more size, with 3 ft SE swell and a 6-second period, and the wind shifts to a cross-offshore from the south at 16 mph. The energy hits 86. It’s still not great, but it’s the cleanest option we’ve got. Honestly, for a beginner spot, this is your only chance to catch a few closeout shoulders.

The Long-Range (August 20th – 21st)
The tail end of the forecast has a small pulse on Thursday the 20th with 2 ft SE swell and a 10-second period, which is a bit longer, and the energy hits 105. But the wind is onshore from the east. Then Friday the 21st is similar with 3 ft swell and a cross-onshore breeze. It’s still not inspiring.

Bottom line: This is a long, flat run. The only half-decent window is the afternoon of the 16th and the morning of the 17th, but keep your expectations on the floor. There’s no juice for the experts, and beginners will find the tiny, choppy waves more frustrating than fun. Just wait for the next system.

Rusty.

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