Port Orford Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, it’s Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer for Port Orford over the next sixteen days.

Right off the bat, I’ll be straight with you: the first week is a write-off. We’re looking at clean, offshore winds for most of it, but the waves are either tiny or messy, with short-period wind swell. The swell energy is weak to moderate at best, with the numbers bouncing around (179, 95, 220, 46, 283, 361, 362, 483, 26, 235, 327, 829, 713, 548). The bigger pulses of 6ft to 8ft from the north-northwest and north, with periods of 6 to 7 seconds, are just short-period slop. It’s not surfable in a good way. The water temperature is about average for this time of year.

The first real glimmer of hope shows up on Friday, August 14th. The morning looks promising, with a clean 5ft northwest swell and a period of 8 seconds. The wind is offshore from the north-northwest at 12 mph, but the moderate breeze still keeps it clean. The combined energy is moderate (487). It’s a proper step up from the rubbish we’ve been seeing.

After that, we get a mixed bag. The weekend of the 16th and 17th is more of the same northerly wind and short-period swell, but Monday, August 17th afternoon is a bit better. The swell picks up to 7ft from the north, still with a short 6-second period, but the wind eases to a moderate offshore breeze. The energy is moderate (411) and the conditions are labelled as “good.” It’s worth a look if you’re desperate for a paddle.

Now, the real standout to circle on your calendar is Wednesday, August 19th morning. The wind drops to a gentle 9 mph offshore breeze from the north-northwest, and the swell is a clean 3ft from the west-northwest with a very long period of 14 seconds. That’s groundswell, folks. The combined energy is moderate (431). That long period means the waves will have shape and power, perfect for the lineup. This is the best call in the whole outlook.

Thursday, August 20th morning also has potential: 5ft from the west-northwest, 11-second period, and a moderate offshore breeze. The energy is strong (663). It’s a solid runner-up, but that Wednesday morning is the pick of the bunch.

Keep in mind, Port Orford is an inconsistent, sheltered spot that needs a specific northwest swell direction. Crowds are often here, so don’t expect to have it to yourself. The conditions are clean for the most part, but the swell windows are small.

So, to sum it up: the first week is a bust. The second week has a few windows, with Wednesday, August 19th morning being the top pick for clean, long-period groundswell, and Thursday, August 20th morning as a close second. Don’t sleep on that Wednesday session.

Rusty.

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