Rodanthe Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you – the outlook for the next two weeks around Rodanthe Pier is a tough one. We’re looking at a long, dry spell with no real surf to speak of for the vast majority of the period. The first recommendation doesn't come until the 17th of September, which is a real bummer, and even then, it’s not what any of us would call good.

The first ten days of the forecast are almost completely flat. From Tuesday the 8th of September right through to the 16th, we’re talking about tiny, unrideable slop. Swell heights are stuck between 1 ft and 3 ft, and the combined wave energy is almost non-existent, barely scraping into the triple digits just once (163) on the 8th, but with poor wind and a messy cross-onshore chop, it's a total write-off. The wind keeps swinging around, offering a few clean windows on the 10th and 11th with offshore and cross-off flows, but there’s just no swell to match it. It’s a classic case of “good conditions, no waves.”

The first real pulse of swell we see arrives on Thursday the 17th of September. The swell jumps to 4 ft, with a combined energy of (163) to (180), coming from the NE. The problem? The period is only 6 seconds – that’s pure, short-period wind chop. The wind is cross-onshore from the NE, creating a choppy, bumpy mess. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, nothing to write home about.

Friday the 18th of September offers a slight improvement. The swell drops to 3 ft from the ENE with a 7-second period, and the combined energy is moderate at (115) to (112). The wind shifts to a cleaner cross-offshore from the S and SSW, so the surface will be clean. You might find a few crumbly shoulders, but it’s nothing to get excited about. It’s really the best on offer, but that’s a low bar.

After that, the weekend of the 19th and 20th gets blown out by strong N winds hitting 25 mph, with rain and messy, lumpy conditions. The swell drops right back down, and the rest of the week into the 23rd is more of the same – tiny, choppy, and cross-on.

To be honest, the only window that’s even worth a look is Friday the 18th of September. Expect small, clean lines at Rodanthe Pier (Rodanthe-Pier). The swell is small, around 3 ft from the ENE, so it’s fine for beginners and longboards, but don’t expect any power. The crowds can be around sometimes, so you might have some company. If you’re desperate for a paddle, that’s your day. For the rest of the 16 days, you’re better off keeping the board in the car.

Rusty.

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