Rockaway Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on the menu for our stretch of coastline. I’ve got to level with you—this is going to be a tough stretch. We’re looking at a long, dry spell before anything even remotely worth paddling out for shows up.

For the next week and a half, it’s bleak. The first few days are basically a write-off. Late August through the start of September is serving up tiny, weak swells with periods that are all over the place, plus winds that are mostly cross-off or cross-on, but the real killer is the wave energy. We’re talking a combined energy of all swells directed here in the low double-digits to barely cracking 100—that’s weak, anemic stuff. The water is sitting at 73°F, which is about average for this time of year, so don’t blame the temp for the lack of waves.

There’s a gap of nearly 10 days with nothing worth a mention. A few mornings on the 28th and 29th of August show “clean” conditions with a light breeze, but the swell is a pathetic 2ft to 2ft with short, choppy periods. It’s just ankle-slappers. Not worth waxing the board up for.

Now, the big news—and it’s the only news—comes around the 3rd and 4th of September. We finally get a pulse of energy. The swell pops up to 5ft from the East to East-Southeast, with moderate energy levels hitting the 392 to 468 range. That's real wave energy, finally. The period is short, around 7 to 8 seconds, so it’ll be a bit of a bumpy, sectiony beast. The winds are blowing cross-off from the North, and later from the Northeast, and the wave comment is “clean” through those mornings and afternoons. It’s not perfect, but it’s the first surfable height we’ve seen all forecast.

The standout here is Rockaway on Thursday, September 3rd, and Friday, September 4th. Thursday morning and afternoon deliver 5ft from the East, with that clean, cross-off wind. The energy is substantial (392 and 468), and while the short period means it’ll be a little walled-up, the wind will keep the face tidy. Friday morning sees 5ft again, with even more energy (599) and a brisk 19 mph North wind holding it offshore. This is for the more experienced crowd—that 5ft plus the short period can pack a punch.

From the 6th of September onwards, things drop back down to ordinary conditions. There’s a lingering 3ft swell on Sunday the 6th with a light offshore wind from the Northwest, which could be a fun little morning session for the patient, but it’s not the highlight.

So, there it is. A whole lot of nothing, then a brief window of proper surf. Get your 3rd and 4th of September marked for a dawn patrol at Rockaway. Be ready for a punchy, short-period East swell with clean, offshores. After that, it’s back to waiting.

Rusty.

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