San Mateo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s in store for San Mateo over the next couple of weeks.

Right now, there’s nothing doing, so we’re waiting until Wednesday morning, September 2nd, for the first real shot. That morning is a total wild card – the water is a crazy 80°, running 8° warmer than normal for this time of year. It’s like the ocean forgot what season it is. The swell is small at 2ft from the SW, but it’s carrying a very long 17-second period. The wind? Dead calm. Absolutely glassy. It’ll be clean as a whistle, but the total energy is weak at 389. This is a point that doesn’t break often, so you’ll be waiting for those long-period sets, but when they roll in, they’ll have some shape. Crowds can show up sometimes, but it’s a tricky one to call. This is your only real standout window – a rare, glassy morning with some potential.

From Wednesday afternoon on, the wind swings around and gets onshore, turning things choppy. Thursday morning, September 3rd, brings a bump to 4ft swell with an 18-second period and energy climbing to 773, but a cross wind from the SSW chops it up. It’s marginal. Friday, September 4th, hits 5ft in the morning with a 16-second period, pushing energy to a solid 1165 – that’s real power. But that cross wind is still there, making it hard to find a clean face.

The weekend stays messy, with 4ft to 5ft but crossed up and eventually choppy. By the second week, from around September 8th onward, the swell drops fast. Most mornings are knee-high junk with short periods, and the wind never really cleans up. Energy stays below 400 for most days – weak stuff. The last couple days, like September 16th and 17th, you’re looking at 1ft to 2ft dribble with some very long-period lines that just don’t have the push to do anything.

Honestly, that Wednesday morning, September 2nd, is the only real highlight. After that, it’s a long stretch of forgettable surf. If you can’t make that window, you’re in for a wait.

Rusty.

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