Oceanside Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s shaping up for the stretch ahead. It’s a slow burner, but there are a few windows worth paddling out for.

We’re starting right now, and honestly, the first few days are flat and messy. The water is sitting at a very warm 72° at the start, which is 5° above normal for this time of year – that’s a real standout, way warmer than you’d expect, so grab a shorty or just boardshorts. But the surf? Nada. A tiny 1 ft swell with a long 17 second period from the SW on Wednesday morning looks good on paper, but the combined energy is weak (210) and it’s described as marginal. Afternoon goes to zero. Thursday through Friday stays poor with cross-onshore winds and chop – not worth your time.

The first real glimmer comes on Saturday the 18th. Swell edges up to 3 ft from the SW, period a solid 18 seconds, and the energy kicks up to moderate (564). The wind is light and onshore, but it’s clean in the morning. Afternoon energy builds to 564 but it’s still only a 1/10 call – a small, soft day for a longboard or a foiler if you’re keen.

Sunday the 19th sees a jump: 5 ft swell from the SSW, period 13 seconds, and the energy hits 974 in the morning, climbing to 1182 in the afternoon. That’s moderate-strong energy. The wind is light onshore shifting cross-on, so it’ll be a bit bumpy. Still only a 2/10, but this is the first real taste of size for the intermediate crew. Keep your expectations in check.

Monday the 20th through Tuesday the 22nd settles back to 3 ft to 4 ft, with light onshore winds and clean conditions, but the scores stay low (1 or 2 out of 10). The energy hovers around moderate (527 to 737). It’s rideable but nothing special – a small, clean groomer for the morning sessions.

Now here’s where it gets interesting. Wednesday the 22nd is quiet, but Thursday the 23rd brings a push: 5 ft in the morning, jumping to 6 ft in the afternoon from the S, period 13 seconds. Energy surges to 1226 (strong). Wind is light and cross-on – it’ll be a bit lumpy, but that’s a proper head-high swell. For the experienced guys, Friday the 24th is your standout. 7 ft to 7 ft from the S, period 15 seconds, and energy goes through the roof at 2704. That’s very strong wave energy. Wind is light and onshore, so the surface should stay relatively clean. This is a big, powerful groundswell – the period is long, so it might close out a bit on the beach, but if you can find a peak, it’ll be pumping. Too big for beginners, but a solid day for experts.

Saturday the 25th holds size at 7 ft, but the wind picks up from the W at 12 mph, cross-onshore and choppy. That’ll chop it up. Energy is still strong (1943), but the quality drops. Sunday the 26th fades back to 3 ft to 3 ft with a long 18-19 second period, clean with light winds. A nice little refresh after the big stuff.

The final week from Monday the 27th to Wednesday the 30th stays small, around 3 ft to 4 ft, with light winds and generally clean mornings. Energy stays moderate. Nothing huge, but consistent small waves for a log or a mid-length. By Thursday the 30th, it drops to 3 ft and the wind goes cloudy and light – pretty much a flat end.

Bottom line: The big window is Thursday the 23rd through Friday the 24th for the more experienced crew. The rest is small, clean, and cruisy. For the main break here, Oceanside Pier, it’s very consistent but the swell direction is WSW, which is fine for the exposed setup. Crowds are sometimes a thing, so expect company on the better days. Not a classic run, but there’s a couple of days with some grunt.

Stay stoked,
Rusty

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