Port Orford Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the line for us. We’re in for a bit of a mixed bag, so we’ve got to pick our moments. The water’s running really cold, about 50°F, which is a good 7°F colder than normal for this time of year – that’s way off the mark, so a thick steamer is non-negotiable.

Right out of the gate, starting Saturday the 11th, it’s pretty ordinary. We get some waist-high swell from the NW at around 5ft, with a short period of 10 seconds, but that wind is blowing 19 mph from the NNW, keeping things just surfable but nothing to write home about. The combined energy is weak at 397. Sunday the 12th is even worse – the wind picks up to 19 mph and the swell drops, so it’s a write-off.

Monday the 13th looks similar with that fresh NNW wind, just average surf. Tuesday the 14th has a tiny 2ft swell with a longer 14-second period from the west, but the wind is howling at 19 mph, making it a messy day. Wednesday the 15th sees a real long-period swell (18 seconds) but it’s still tiny at 2ft and the wind is too strong. Energy jumps to a moderate 446, but it’s not worth it for the paddle.

Now, we start to see a bit of promise on Thursday the 16th. The swell picks up a touch to 2ft from the WNW with a very long 19-second period, and the wind eases right back to a light breeze from the NW, going cross-offshore. The energy jumps up to a moderate 688, and for the first time, the conditions look clean. That long period will mean good shape, but it’s still on the smaller side.

Friday the 17th is where things get interesting. The morning shows a 3ft WNW swell with a very long 17-second period and a moderate offshore wind from the NNW. The combined energy is a strong 1104, and the wave comment says “very good surf conditions.” This is a standout – that long period groundswell will wrap nicely, and the wind is offshore, so expect clean, lined-up waves. The energy on the afternoon drops off a bit, but the morning window is the pick of the whole run so far.

Watch out for Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th. The swell jumps up dramatically: 8ft and 8ft from the NNW with a short period of only 7 seconds. That’s a lot of windswell, and with the wind blowing 19 – 22 mph, it’s going to be a wind-affected mess. The combined energy is very strong, hitting 1265 on Saturday, but the quality is only “marginal.” This size is for experts only – beginners, stay out of the water. The short period and strong onshore wind will make it bumpy and choppy. Honestly, this setup looks more like kite-surfing territory than a good paddle session.

Monday the 20th and Tuesday the 21st keep that same NNW swell around 7ft to 8ft with the short 7-second period, and the wind stays fresh from the north. The energy is still strong, but the conditions are just ordinary to marginal. By Wednesday the 22nd, the swell drops back to 6ft – 7ft, still short period, and still windy. It’s just not clicking.

We then hit a bit of a gap. Thursday the 23rd is a poor day with hardly any energy (123), and Friday the 24th is the same – tiny swell despite a very long 26-second period from the SW.

The real gem for the long-range might be Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th. Saturday morning shows a 3ft SW swell with a very long 22-second period, a moderate offshore wind from the north, and the combined energy is a solid 715. That’s a proper groundswell signal. Saturday afternoon the swell bumps to 4ft and the energy skyrockets to a very strong 1356, but the wind gets up to 19 mph, making it more marginal. Sunday the 26th morning still holds a 4ft SW swell with a 20-second period and 19 mph wind – energy is strong at 1232, but the wind is the spoiler.

The best on offer: Get on it Friday morning the 17th at Port Orford. That 3ft WNW swell with a 17-second period and light offshore wind will be clean and lined up. It’s a sheltered spot, and a little inconsistent, you might have to wait for sets, but it’s your best shot for quality. The other standout to keep an eye on is Saturday the 25th morning – that long-period SW swell looks promising, but at over a week out, it’s a hopeful one.

If you miss those windows, you’re looking at a lot of wind and short-period junk. Pick your days.

Rusty.

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