Saltwater Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, listen up. Rusty here, talkin’ about Saltwater for the next couple a weeks.

The first few days are a bit of a slow burner. Swell’s small to average, and the wind’s all over the shop. Water temp’s sittin’ at about 66°F, which is pretty standard for now, so don’t overthink the rubber.

Sunday the 16th (afternoon) we get a start with 5ft from the SSE, but it’s real short period, around 7 seconds. The combined energy is moderate (424), and with a clean cross-off breeze, it’s alright. For a beginner-friendly point like Saltwater, it’s a nice, gentle roll. It breaks fairly consistent, but expect a few others in the lineup.

Monday the 17th starts clean again with 5ft from the ESE, but that short period keeps it from being special. The afternoon gets choppy with a cross-shore, so quality tanks.

Now, from Tuesday the 18th through Sunday the 23rd things go flat and ugly. Swell drops under 3ft, and we get onshore junk. That’s a solid 5-6 day lull where you’re better off waiting. Friday 21st morning has glassy water, but it’s only 3ft of weak energy (70) – just a splash.

Monday the 24th has a tease of a long period groundswell (19 seconds!) from the SSE, but it’s tiny – only 1ft. The energy is moderate (188), but it’s too small to matter with messy wind.

Here’s the meat for the experienced crew. Tuesday the 25th (afternoon) jumps up to 5ft from the SSE at a better 12 seconds. The combined energy rips to 585 (strong), and a 30 mph cross-off wind from the south cleans it up real nice. This is the standout for power, but that fresh wind makes it one for strong paddlers.

Wednesday the 26th (morning) keeps the energy pumping (593) with 4ft from the south at 12 seconds. The wind is offshore from the west at 20 mph, so it’s clean and lined up. Good step-up size for intermediates, and the crowd might be lighter with the stronger breeze.

Thursday the 27th is the prettiest day. Morning has offshore wind from the SW at 30 mph with 3ft. But the afternoon is the gem: clean, moderate wind from the SSW at 25 mph, with 3ft of swell at 10 seconds. The energy is moderate (232), but it’s easy, fun size with perfect conditions. A glassy, groomed wave for a longboard.

Friday the 28th keeps the offshore theme. Morning is small (1ft, low energy), but the afternoon has 2ft at 14 seconds, with 20-25 mph offshores cleaning it up (227 energy). Not big, but drift and fun.

Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th are more of the same: small (1-2ft), long-period groundswell from the SSE and south, with clean offshores in the mornings. The energy is low, but on a point, that long period means long, racy lines. The afternoon on Sunday the 30th gets a new, short-period 3ft from the SW, but a cross-off ruins it.

Monday the 31st (morning) is the last glassy window with 4ft from the SSW. It’s clean, energy moderate (130). The afternoon brings a big push – 6ft from the south at 9 seconds (469 energy) – but the onshore wind fouls it up for surfers. That size and power is more interesting for kite folks than paddle surfers.

The Verdict: The crown jewel is Thursday 27th afternoon – perfect conditions, easy size, clean offshore. Circle that one. Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th have the power for the big dogs, but the wind is strong. The first week is a write-off, but hang tight for that second week.

Rusty.

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