Port Orford Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. We're taking a hard look at Port Orford and, to be honest, it's a pretty lean stretch coming up. The first week or so is a write-off—no real surf to get excited about. The break is sheltered and inconsistent at the best of times, so this kind of blank run isn't all that unusual for the area. Don't let it get you down; forecasts can shift.

Alright, let's start from Wednesday July 8th. We've got a 2 ft swell from the SW, period at 15 seconds. That's a long-period groundswell, which should have some shape in theory, but the combined energy is weak (322). The wind is a fresh offshore from the N at 19 mph, so the surface will be clean. But the data calls it "poor surf conditions," so don't expect much.

Thursday July 9th sees a 3 ft swell from the WNW, period dropping to 10 seconds. The energy dips a bit (223). Wind stays offshore from the N, 19 mph in the morning and picking up to 22 mph in the afternoon. Clean, but still not doing anything for me.

Friday July 10th is more of the same: 3 ft to 2 ft WNW swell, moderate offshore breeze at 16 mph. Energy is very weak (109-111). Saturday July 11th bumps up to 5 ft NW swell, period 9 seconds, and energy climbs to 341. Wind is still offshore from the N. Despite the cleaner look, it's still marked as poor. Sunday July 12th stays around 4 ft, Monday July 13th drops back, Tuesday July 14th is tiny (2 ft W swell with a 14-second period). Nothing to paddle out for.

Now, there's a small glimmer on Wednesday July 15th. Swell picks up to 4 ft from the WNW, with an 11-second period. The combined energy jumps to 567. Wind is fresh offshore from the N at 19 mph. It's only rated as "marginal," so it's for the die-hards only. Thursday July 16th afternoon brings a bigger 8 ft NNW swell, but the period is a short 7 seconds, and the wind is a fresh offshore. That's a lot of lumpy, short-period energy (1074)—more of a challenge than a treat. Still, if you're an expert, you might find something.

The first real standout, and the best on offer in the whole 16 days, is the morning of Friday July 17th. We get a 3 ft swell from the WNW, but look at that period: 17 seconds! That's very long-period groundswell. The combined energy is strong (1054). The wind is a moderate offshore from the NNW at 16 mph, so it'll be clean. The data says "expect very good surf conditions." For a sheltered, inconsistent break like Port Orford, this is a gift. With that long period, it'll be best on the points and reefs, not the beach. Just remember, it only breaks "rarely," so this is a special window.

After that, it slips back. Saturday July 18th and Sunday July 19th see more short-period NNW swell, 7 ft to 7 ft, with winds holding offshore. Too big and too short-period to be any good. Monday July 20th through the end of the window stays marginal or poor, with onshore winds and messy conditions. The morning of Wednesday July 22nd offers a 7 ft NNW swell (period 6 seconds, energy 410) and a "good" rating, but that short period and size means it's only for the experienced crew on a good day.

So, to wrap it up: don't bother suiting up until the morning of July 17th. That's your one shot at something special. The rest is a waiting game. Stay patient.

Rusty

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