Otter Rock Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Hey mates, Rusty here with a look at what’s in store. It’s going to be a slow start, but we’ve got a couple of days that’ll make it worth the wait.

Right now, we’re staring at a bit of a dead zone. Wednesday the 2nd is a total mess. We’ve got heavy rain, a 10-foot SSW swell on a short 8-second period, and a strong 22 mph south wind tearing it up. The water is all lumpy and cross-chop. The combined wave energy is high at 1113, but it’s ugly. Thursday the 3rd isn’t much better for quality, with a 8-foot WNW swell but still cross-shore winds. The energy is pumping (2055), but it’s just not clean.

The first chance for a surf comes on Friday the 4th. The morning shows a 5-foot WNW swell with a 10-second period and a light cross-offshore breeze from the SSE at just 3 mph. The energy is moderate at 627, and the conditions are clean. But the real gem is Friday afternoon. The swell drops to 2 feet, but the period goes to a very long 18 seconds from the SW. That’s proper groundswell (energy 632) with glassy, no-wind conditions. At Otter Rock, a point break, that long period will wrap in smooth and clean. It’s not big, but it’ll be perfect. The water temp is 57°F, which is about 3°F colder than normal for this time of year – you’ll want the thicker rubber.

Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th see the swell drop off hard, sitting around 2 to 3 feet. Even with some long-period energy, there just isn’t enough size. The wind is light but mostly onshore, and the energy readings fall into the 500s and 400s. Monday the 7th through Wednesday the 9th is even smaller, with energy in the 200s and 300s. You’ll be waiting for something to show. Crowds could be a factor for any small waves that pop up, as this spot is “often” busy.

We get a brief look on Thursday the 10th morning with a clean 4-foot NW swell and an offshore breeze, but the period is only 7 seconds – short and choppy. Not the best.

The wait through the second week is rough until we hit the big day. Monday the 14th is the one. The morning is glassy calm, with an overhead 7-foot NW groundswell at 12 seconds. The energy is a strong 1364. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers only – it’s too big for beginners. The conditions will be pristine. The afternoon stays good with a 6-foot swell, though a light cross-shore breeze picks up.

Tuesday the 15th gets blown out, but don’t forget Wednesday the 16th morning. It’s glassy again with a clean 5-foot WNW swell at 10 seconds and moderate energy of 711. It’s a great alternative for those who missed the Monday session, and it’s more manageable for a wider range of surfers. That afternoon and Thursday the 17th get messy again with strong winds, so hit that morning window.

The highlight, no doubt, is Monday the 14th. Mark it down, but remember it’s a long-range call – promising, but not locked in yet.

Rusty.

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