Rockaway Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

Right off the bat, we’re looking at a bit of a rough start for Rockaway. Thursday morning, July 30, we’ve got 7ft of WNW swell, but the period is only 8 seconds, and the wind is cross-on from the west at 6 mph. The wave energy is moderate (527). Water temp is sitting at 61°, which is 4° warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s a notable bump, so you’ll be feeling that. But the surf is marginal at best on Thursday morning, and Thursday afternoon goes straight to poor with a score of 0. Friday, July 31, isn’t much better: 6ft, cross-on wind, and the period drops to 7 seconds on Friday afternoon. Just not happening.

Saturday, August 1, morning sees 7ft of NW swell, still cross-on, still 8 seconds. The energy ticks up to 565, but it’s still marginal. Saturday afternoon jumps to 8ft, but the wind is stronger and cross-on, making it choppy and poor. This is not a paddle-friendly picture.

Now, Sunday, August 2, morning brings a 10ft NW swell (9 seconds) – that’s over 8ft, so this is expert territory only. The energy is strong at 2481. But the wind is still cross-on, so it’s messy. The afternoon drops to 8ft, still cross-on. Not clean.

Here’s where things get interesting. Monday, August 3, morning. The wind shifts to a light cross-off from the SSW at 6 mph, and the swell is 8ft from the WNW with a 10-second period. The energy is strong (1113). The wave comment says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers,” and I’m feeling that. This is the standout window. The wind is light, the swell is solid, and the period is decent. The only catch is the size – 8ft is pushing it for beginners, but for the experienced crew, this is the best of the whole 16-day run. The crowds are “sometimes” at Rockaway, so expect company.

Tuesday, August 4, morning holds up with 6ft, 10-second NW swell, and light cross-off wind from the SSW. Clean conditions. The energy is moderate (756). This is a good follow-up session, but not the peak.

After that, it tails off. Wednesday, August 5, through Sunday, August 9, we’re looking at smaller swell (5ft to 7ft), mostly cross-on or cross winds, and choppy conditions. The energy drops. There’s a gap of several days where the surf is marginal or poor. Nothing to get excited about.

Monday, August 10, morning bumps up to 7ft with a 9-second period, but the wind is cross-on, so it’s just a tease. The energy is 1338, but the wind kills it.

The second week fades even more. Tuesday, August 11, through Friday, August 14, the swell drops to 2ft to 3ft, with long periods (15 to 18 seconds) from the SW. That long-period groundswell is interesting, but at those tiny sizes, it’s barely breaking. The wind is mostly cross or cross-on, and the energy is moderate. Not worth a paddle.

Best Bet: Monday morning, August 3, at Rockaway. 8ft of WNW swell, 10-second period, clean with a light cross-off wind. The energy is strong. That’s the one.

Rusty.

Read more