San Mateo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s get stuck into the outlook for San Mateo.

First things first, this spot is a point break, which is usually a good thing for lining up a wave, but it’s been inconsistent lately, and that trend is going to hold through most of this forecast. The water temp is sitting at a warm 81°, which is a massive 9° warmer than usual for this time of year. That’s seriously unusual – it’s like the ocean forgot it’s late August.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start. The first few days are a write-off. Saturday the 29th has some chest-high swell at 5ft from the southwest, but the cross-shore wind is messing it up, and the combined energy (960) is only moderate, but the wave comment says it all: poor surf. Same story rolls through Sunday and Monday – a dribble of waist-high swell with cross-shore winds and a cross-chop. Not worth paddling out.

Tuesday morning the 1st of September is a marginal call with a smaller 3ft swell, but that light cross-shore breeze might offer a window for a longboard if you're desperate.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Wednesday the 2nd of September, early. The swell is still only 3ft, but the wind goes totally glassy. That’s a rare treat for a spot that’s often windy. The combined energy (498) is still weak, but with no wind and a long period of 12 seconds, those waves will have some push. This is the best option early on. It’s a good morning for a quiet session if you can get out there.

Thursday the 3rd of September morning also shows some promise. The swell holds at 4ft from the SW, but the period jumps to 18 seconds – a proper groundswell. The energy (772) is building, but there’s a light cross-onshore ripple. It’s marginal, but with that long period, the point might handle it and offer some nice lines, especially if you’re looking for a glide.

The real standout in this whole 16-day window is Friday the 4th of September. The morning shows a solid 6ft SW swell with a 16-second period. The combined energy hits 1507 – that’s strong. The wind is light cross-shore, so the conditions should be workable. This is the biggest, most energetic swell of the forecast. 6ft is good for most surfers, but watch out as the afternoon wind picks up to a fresh 19 mph cross-shore, making it lumpy. Still, Friday morning offers the best chance for a proper, ripped-up San Mateo point wave.

After that, it drops off again. There’s a small window on Monday the 7th of September morning with glassy conditions and 4ft, but the energy (543) is weak again.

The second week is weaker overall. A few mornings with small swell (3ft to 4ft) and a mix of cross and cross-onshore winds. Nothing to get excited about. The periods are long, but the size is just too small to give you much. This area looks like it’s going to go quiet after that Friday the 4th pulse.

Bottom line: The forecast is lean and inconsistent. Most days are either too windy, too small, or choppy. The only true standout is Friday the 4th of September morning – that’s your best bet. Get on it if you can.

Rusty.

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