Port Orford Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s have a proper look at what’s cooking for Port Orford over the next sixteen days.

Right now, the surf is in a bit of a flat spell. There are a few waves at the start, but they’re nothing to get excited about. Tuesday the 4th kicks off with a 7ft swell from the NNW, period a short 8 seconds, and a moderate wave energy of 590. The wind is offshore but gusty at 16 mph – clean enough face but the quality is marginal. It drops a notch by afternoon: still 8ft but period drops to 7 seconds. Honestly, it’s a bit of a messy start.

Wednesday the 5th is the best of the early days. Morning brings 7ft from the NNW with an 8-second period and moderate energy of 514. Offshore breeze at 12 mph keeps things tidy, and the call is good. By afternoon the swell eases to 5ft, the wind swings to NNW at 9 mph and it’s glassy clean. That’s your window – small but fun, and the break is inconsistent, so you’ll want to pick your moments. Crowds are often here, so expect company.

Thursday the 6th is ordinary: 5ft waves, still offshore but wind picks up, and the energy drops to 335. Friday and the weekend are pretty poor – stronger winds kicking up, swell bumpy, period short. Saturday the 8th has 6ft but the wind is fresh at 19 mph, and energy is moderate. Not worth paddling out unless you’re desperate.

Then there’s a big gap. From Sunday the 9th all the way through to late in the second week, the surf is weak or the conditions are poor. Swell heights tumble to 1.0ft or 1ft by Monday the 10th – barely a ripple. There’s a late pulse on Tuesday the 11th afternoon: 2ft from the SW with a very long 19-second period and energy of 212, but it’s still poor quality. Not a runner.

The real standout is a long way off – around Sunday the 16th and Monday the 17th. The 16th morning has a 3ft WNW groundswell with a very long 17-second period and moderate energy of 552. It’s tagged as marginal, but the long period suggests shape. The bigger prize is Monday the 17th: morning has 3ft from the WNW, 15-second period, and moderate energy of 488. Afternoon jumps to 5ft, 14-second period, and a solid moderate energy of 867. Wind is gentle offshore, glassy clean. This is the best on offer – a proper clean groundswell for the point and reef setups. It’s inconsistent, so don’t expect a conveyor belt, but the quality and wind will make it worthwhile. Crowds are often, but for waves like that, you’ll share the smiles.

Tuesday the 18th still has clean 4ft from the WNW with 12-second period and moderate energy of 532. Wednesday the 19th fades to 2ft and ordinary again.

Keep in mind Port Orford is a sheltered spot, and optimum swell direction is NW. The swell we get is from NNW and WNW, so it’s not perfect direction, but the clean winter-grade groundswell in the second week is your best bet. Water temp is about average for this time of year – nothing wild.

So, don’t bother with this week. Next Sunday through Tuesday is your window, with Monday the 17th as the standout. It’s a long-range call, so keep an eye on it.

Rusty.

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