San Mateo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright mates, Rusty here. Let's get you the lowdown on San Mateo for the next couple of weeks. It's a bit of a mixed bag, with some clean windows but plenty of chop to work through too.

The water is sitting at a very unusual 81°, a full 9° warmer than you'd expect for this time of year, so you'll want a thinner wetsuit or just boardies if you're brave.

Right off the bat, Thursday the 27th is a no-go – just 2 feet of swell and a messy cross-shore wind giving us poor conditions. Don't even bother. Friday the 28th morning offers a slight bump to 3 feet from the SW with a long 18-second period. The energy is moderate (684), but it’s a cross-wind with marginal quality. It might be worth a look if you're desperate, but keep your expectations low.

Saturday the 29th morning has the swell pushing up to 5 feet from the SW, but the period drops to 16 seconds and the wind is still cross. The energy is strong (1090), but the wave comment says "marginal" and the score is weak. It’s messy out there. Sunday through to the middle of the following week is a write-off – cross-onshore winds, choppy conditions, and nothing scoring above a 2. A real flat and blown-out run.

Now, here's a standout to keep in mind. Monday morning, September 7th, is the one to circle. We’ve got 4 feet of SW swell with glassy conditions – that's a rare treat. The energy is moderate (452), and the period is a solid 13 seconds. For this normally inconsistent point break, a morning with flat-calm winds is your best shot at something smooth and rideable. Crowds are possible here, so get out early.

A bit further out, Wednesday morning, September 9th, sees a bit more energy, with 5 feet from the SW at a very long 17-second period and only a light cross breeze. The combined energy is strong (1390) and the overall quality is better than the surrounding days. It’s a promising window for some long, lined-up waves, though the period might make it a tad straight at the take-off zone.

Thursday morning, September 10th, is another decent shout with 5 feet of SW swell at 16 seconds, light cross winds, and strong energy (1002). It's worth setting the alarm for that one too. The wind looks better in the mornings throughout the second week, but the afternoons get choppy again.

Overall, the first week is mostly about waiting for the wind to play nice. The second week has a couple of promising mornings, especially that glassy spell on the 7th. Keep an eye on it – forecasts can change, and there’s a chance for a couple of good sessions here.

Rusty.

Read more