San Mateo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. This is San Mateo, a point break that’s not for the faint of heart. It’s an advanced, inconsistent wave that only breaks when it really wants to, and when it’s on, it’s a proper line-up. The water’s already running at 80°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – feels like a tropical treat.

The next couple of days are a bit of a write-off. Sunday and Monday have some swell around 3 to 4 ft from the SW, but the wind is cross or cross-on, and the wave energy is moderate (641 to 356). The surf is poor or marginal, not worth paddling out for. Tuesday is similar with small 3 ft swell and weak energy (341) – forget it.

Then Wednesday morning, 2 September, something shifts. The swell drops a little to 3 ft, but the wind goes glassy, and the energy bumps up to 498 (moderate). The guide says "expect good surf conditions," and that’s the first real window. It’s small, but clean. If you’re hanging for a wave, that’s the one to sneak in for.

Thursday morning, 3 September, is the next standout. The swell is 4 ft from the SW, period jumps to 19 seconds – that’s long-period groundswell, proper energy (875). The wind is light cross-on, and the surf is marginal due to tide, but the potential is there. For a point break, that long period will wrap in nicely, so keep an eye on the tide.

Friday morning, 4 September, is the best of the whole run. Swell hits 6 ft from the SW, period 16 seconds, and the energy is strong at 1501. The wind is cross-shore, not perfect, but the size and power are there. This is for advanced surfers only – it’s going to be a solid, thumping wave at San Mateo. Saturday morning is similar, 5 ft with 1140 energy, still clean enough but a bit more wind.

After that, the swell fades through the second week. Sunday 6 September through to the 14th sees swell dropping back to 2 to 4 ft, with periods varying from 13 to 19 seconds, but the wind stays cross or cross-on, and the energy is weak to moderate. Most days are marginal or poor. The only possible morning to check is Thursday 10 September with 4 ft, 16-second period, light cross wind and moderate energy (873), but it’s still marginal.

Overall, the standout is Friday morning, 4 September – 6 ft, SW groundswell, strong energy, for advanced surfers only. The earlier glassy window on Wednesday 2 September is the sneaky clean day for small-wave crew. The rest is a waiting game.

Rusty

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