Point Arena Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the table for Point Arena over the next couple of weeks. Gotta be straight with you – it's a tough stretch. This is a consistent reef break that loves a good NW swell, but the wind and the quality just aren't lining up for paddle surfing most of the time.

The water is running about 56°, which is a bit colder than we're used to this time of year, so factor that into your wetsuit choice.

We kick off with nothing going on. Thursday the 27th has a tiny 2ft swell from the SW with a moderate NNW breeze, so we're looking at the forecast gap until Saturday the 29th before there's anything worth getting out of bed for.

Saturday the 29th, we start to see some life. The morning has a 6ft NW swell, but the period is a short 7 seconds and it's still a bit lumpy with a cross-off wind. The afternoon turns on a bit better – the swell bumps up to 8ft from the NW, and the combined swell energy is strong (645). It's a big, clean wave with good wind, but at that size, this reef setup is strictly for experienced surfers. It's pushing the limits for your average weekend warrior.

Sunday the 30th keeps the energy high with a 8-8ft NW swell, but it's a messy cross-shore and the period is still short at 8 seconds. It's a lot of whitewater and chop, and the forecast even calls it marginal.

We get a brief window of hope on Monday the 31st. The swell drops to a cleaner 6ft from the NW with a morning light cross-shore. Swell energy is moderate (335). It’s not big, but those lighter winds will make it the most manageable day. Still, nothing here is screaming "standout."

The long-range outlook, starting around the 5th of September, finally offers a true highlight. On Saturday the 5th, the afternoon glass off with a 6ft NW swell looking clean and inviting. The combined swell energy is moderate to strong (443), and the period is a workable 8 seconds. The wind goes glassy. For a spot that's been getting hammered by wind all week, that afternoon session is going to feel like a reward.

After that, it fades. The second week is a mix of smaller swells, more cross-shore winds, and marginal conditions. The combo on the 8th and 9th is small and messy. Not worth paddling out for.

In short, if you're an expert, the afternoon of the 29th will give you some power to play with, but it's rough. The best bet for a clean, fun, manageable wave is that glassy Saturday afternoon on the 5th of September. Everything else is a miss.

Rusty.

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