Port Orford Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about the surf at Port Orford. This is a tricky spot—sheltered, inconsistent, and really only for the advanced crew. Over the next 16 days, we’ve got a strong, persistent offshore flow from the north, so the wind is locked in clean, but the swell quality and energy are a mixed bag. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual.

We kick off Sunday, August 2, with a bit of a letdown. The morning has a 5 ft WNW swell at 9 seconds, with combined energy of 446 (moderate), and clean offshore wind—but the wave comment calls it marginal, with questionable tide conditions. The afternoon builds to 8 ft from the NW, energy jumps to 961 (moderate-to-strong), but it’s flagged as poor surf conditions. Strong offshore wind will make it clean but hard to paddle into.

Monday, August 3, the morning sees 8 ft from the NNW at a short 7-second period, energy 687 (moderate). That’s expert territory—too big for beginners. Clean offshore wind, but again marginal. The afternoon hits 10 ft, energy 903 (moderate-to-strong), but poor conditions. Tuesday through Thursday, August 4-6, the swell stays in the 5 ft to 8 ft range, mostly NNW, periods 8 seconds, with moderate-to-fresh offshore winds. The energy drops from 720 to 358 (weak to moderate). The words are “marginal” or “very ordinary”—nothing to get excited about.

Friday, August 7, we’re in a slump: 5 ft to 6 ft, short 7-second period, energy around 360 (weak), and poor conditions. That continues through the weekend, with Saturday, August 8, seeing 7 ft to 8 ft, energy 569 to 734 (moderate), but still marginal or poor. The following week, from August 9 into the 15th, is a long stretch of marginal surf. Swell heights bounce between 5 ft and 8 ft, periods 7-8 seconds, energy moderate, and always fresh offshore wind. It’s clean but not really pumping.

The standout? If you’ve got patience, look toward the end. Sunday, August 16, the morning brings a 5 ft NW swell at 9 seconds, energy 666 (moderate), and the call is “expect good surf conditions”—the only one in the whole run. Wind is moderate offshore, clean. Then Monday, August 17, morning has 5 ft from the NNW, 8 seconds, energy 513 (moderate), and again “good surf conditions.” These are the best on offer, with clean conditions and a bit more period. But remember, Port Orford is inconsistent—don’t expect a crowd, but it’s often empty for a reason.

Overall, a long, dry gap of marginal surf from August 2 through August 15, with a couple of decent windows right at the end. Keep an eye on that 16th and 17th.

Rusty

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