Oceanside Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

Right off the bat, we’re looking at a pretty flat and quiet start. The first few days are a write-off, honestly. We’ve got a long, slow start with nothing really worth paddling out for until at least Sunday the 19th. The water is sitting at a very warm 72°, which is 6° warmer than usual for this time of year – that’s pretty unusual and feels like bathwater.

The first real chance of something semi-rideable shows up on the morning of Sunday the 19th. We’ve got a 6ft SSW swell pushing in with a moderate 14-second period, and the combined energy is moderate (1333). The wind is light and onshore, but it’s not clean. It’s a marginal call at best, and the afternoon gets a bit messier with a cross-onshore breeze. This is really just for the keen and patient.

Monday the 20th drops off a bit, with smaller 3ft to 5ft SSW swell, and the wind stays cross-onshore, keeping things choppy. Not a standout.

The real standout window looks like it’s building towards the end of the week and into the weekend of the 24th and 25th. Friday the 24th morning sees a 5ft S swell, groundswell from a 13-second period, and the energy jumps up to strong (1552). The wind is onshore in the morning, which is a bit of a bummer, but the afternoon lightens up and the swell holds at 5ft. Saturday the 25th morning keeps the 5ft SSW swell running with light onshore winds, and the energy is still strong (1636). This is the best bet on offer. It’s not huge, but it’s the most consistent push of swell we get, and the light winds will make it cleaner than anything before it. For a beach break, this long-period groundswell might make the waves a bit straight, but it’ll have more push and shape than the short-period junk we’ve been seeing.

Sunday the 26th still has some 4ft SW groundswell with a very long 19-second period and light winds, but the energy is a bit lower. Still a decent option if you missed the weekend.

Into the second week, things get a bit more uncertain. The 27th and 28th keep a 4ft SSW groundswell with long periods, and light winds in the afternoon. The energy is still moderate to strong (around 1100-1300). It’s promising, but don’t lock in your plans just yet. The last few days of the month drop right back down to tiny, poor surf.

So, to keep it simple: the best surf on the books is Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th. Aim for the mornings when the wind is lightest. It’s not a classic swell, but it’s the most consistent and cleanest of the whole run.

Rusty.

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