Otter Rock Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the table for Otter Rock.

First off, right now we’ve got a bit of a flat, grovelly start. The water is sitting at a chilly 53° and that’s a serious 7° colder than normal for this time of year, so you’re gonna feel that bite even with a good wetsuit. The opening few days are pretty much write-offs: tiny swell, cross-onshore winds, and a combined energy that’s clinging to the low 200s to 300s – that’s weak stuff (247–338). Not worth paddling out for.

We start to see a flicker of life around Wednesday the 19th. The swell bumps up to 3ft from the WNW with a period of 12 seconds, and combined energy creeps into the 400s. Still, the wind’s cross-onshore and the call is only marginal – nothing to get excited about. Thursday the 20th morning is similar, but by the afternoon the swell pushes to 5ft and we get light 6 mph cross-onshore winds. That’s the first real glimmer, with energy hitting 569 – moderate energy. It’s still a marginal call, but might be worth a look if you’re desperate.

Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd are more of the same: small, messy, cross-shore winds, energy dropping back. Not worth rushing for.

It’s not until Saturday the 22nd afternoon that something interesting happens. Swell jumps to 3ft from the NW with a short period of 7 seconds, but the wind shifts onshore – light at 6 mph. That’s a new direction for the swell, but the energy is still low at 215. It’s a marginal window.

Now, looking further out, the real standout comes around Thursday the 27th. Swell builds to 6ft from the NW at 8 seconds, and the combined energy screams up to 555 – that’s moderate wave energy. Winds are light cross-onshore at 9 mph, which is the cleanest we’ve seen in a while. This is a short-period swell though, so it’ll be a bit lumpy and not the kind of long, lined-up groundswell that would really peel down the point. Still, for Otter Rock, 6ft is a proper step up from the waist-high dribble we’ve been looking at.

Friday the 28th morning sees the swell drop slightly to 5ft from the NW, period up to 9 seconds, and light cross-shore winds. Energy’s at 450 – still moderate. It’s a solid morning session for the more experienced crew, as anything over 5ft can start to push beginners around, and we’re just under that.

Overall, this 16-day window is a slow burn. The first week is nearly a write-off. The only real highlight is around the 27th and 28th, where the swell finally gets some push and the winds go light. If you’re keen, Thursday morning the 27th looks like your best bet – 6ft, moderate energy (555), and manageable cross-onshore winds. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best we’re gonna get.

Stay patient, keep the wetsuit zipped, and watch the skies.

Rusty.

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