Point Arena Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what Point Arena has cookin’ for us over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, the surf is pretty quiet. We’ve got a bit of a lull to start. The first real chance to paddle out doesn’t really show up until Sunday the 13th, and even then it’s a marginal call. The water temp is sittin’ about 57° right now, which is a bit colder than what we’re used to for this time of year.

The first spot that might get your attention is Point Arena (reef). We kick things off proper on Friday the 13th afternoon. Swell is coming from the NW at 6ft with a short period of 9 seconds. The energy is moderate at 790, but the wind is a cross-offshore NNW breeze at 19 mph. That means the surface will be clean. It’s a little small for the reef’s potential, but it’s the first pulse.

Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th are a write-off. The wind goes cross-onshore and the swell drops off, turning the ocean into a crumbly mess. You’re better off stayin’ on the beach for those days.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The standout window begins on Tuesday the 22nd of September. We see a proper ramp-up. Tuesday afternoon, the swell jumps to 8ft from the NW with a short period of 7 seconds and a fresh cross-offshore wind from the NNW at 19 mph. The energy is moderate (833). It’s looking clean and punchy.

But the real highlight, the one you need to circle on your calendar, is Wednesday the 23rd of September. Morning and afternoon both serve up 8ft NW swell with a 9-second period. The combination energy is strong, hitting 1418 in the morning and 1162 in the afternoon. The wind stays a clean cross-offshore from the NNW at 19 mph. That’s going to produce some powerful, clean lines wrapping into the reef. It’s a lot of water, so this one is for the experienced crew – beginners, sit this one out. The swell is well over 8ft, so it’s expert territory.

We get a slight drop-off on Thursday the 24th, but it’s still good. The morning shows 8ft NW swell with a 10-second period and a lighter cross-shore wind at 6 mph. The afternoon gets even better with a cross-offshore breeze at only 3 mph. The energy is still strong (1121) and the waves will be glassy clean. That afternoon session on Thursday the 24th could be the pick of the entire run if you want slightly smaller, more manageable waves than Wednesday’s beast.

After that, the swell fades. Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th drop off to smaller, less consistent surf with onshore winds showing up. The swell from the 26th has a long period of 16 seconds, but the wind isn’t cooperating for Point Arena.

So, bottom line: This is a slow start followed by a solid punch. Don’t waste your time on the first week. Set your sights on Wednesday the 23rd and Thursday the 24th of September. That’s where the magic lives, especially if you’ve got the skills for a bigger, powerful reef break. Expect some company though – this spot gets crowded when the swell hits.

Rusty.

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