Seaside Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you—this stretch is a test of patience. We’ve got a prolonged flat spell ahead, and I mean a proper one. From now until around the 26th, you’re looking at a whole lot of nothing. There are no good waves on the table, and the odd bump in the water is going to be weak, short-period slop that’s more frustration than fun. The combined energy is just pitiful, mostly hovering in the 300 to 500 range, and the odd push to 700 is still not pulling the trigger on anything ridable. It’s a real dry run, and if you’re not used to this, it might feel bleak. But hold on, because there’s a light at the end of this tunnel.

First up, we’ve got Seaside Reef (San Diego). This is a reef break, exposed to the west, and it’s an advanced, inconsistent wave. The good news is the swell direction out of the southwest is in its sweet spot, so when it does come alive, it’s got the right idea. But for the next week and a half, it’s just not happening. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no real surprises there.

Going through the days: Friday the 14th, we’ve got a 2ft SSW swell with an 18-second period—that long period is a positive for shape, but the size just isn’t there, and the energy is weak at 583. The wind is a gentle westerly, but the wave comment is "marginal" at best. Same story for the rest of the weekend and into next week. The swell hangs around 2ft to 4ft, period drops to the 13-16 second range, and the energy stays weak. The wind stays light, sometimes cross-onshore, but it’s all just pushing around whitewater. This is a proper blank run.

We’re looking at a gap of over a week with zero worthwhile surf. The 23rd sees a 2ft SW with an 19-second period, but again, it’s too small and weak. The 26th starts to show a slight pulse, with an S swell pushing up to 4ft by the afternoon, and the energy climbing to 767, but it’s still only rated as “marginal.”

Then, things finally change. Thursday the 27th kicks off the real action. We’re seeing that S swell jump to 6ft, with a 14-second period. The combined energy is now strong, hitting 1514 in the morning and 1585 in the afternoon. This is the first time we’re talking real, rideable surf. The wind is light and onshore early, but it’s clean. This is the standout in the whole window, the one you set your alarm for. It’s a bit much for beginners at this size, but for the crew that knows their way around a reef, this is going to be a proper session.

Friday the 28th is the bigger day, size-wise. The swell builds to 8ft, still from the SSW, with a 14-second period. The energy is pumping at 2294 in the morning and 1930 in the afternoon. This is big, powerful surf. It’s expert territory, no doubt. If it’s too gnarly for you on the reef, this kind of swell and wind is going to make the beachies look more like a kite-surfing playground than a paddle zone. The wind is light, but the power is serious.

Saturday the 29th sees the swell easing back to 6ft, with a period of 11 seconds, and the energy dropping to 921. Still rideable and cleaner, but it’s the tail end of the pulse.

So, here’s the plan: suffer through the flat spell, and get ready for the 27th and 28th. That’s your window. Thursday the 27th is probably the pick for quality, with Friday the 28th being the heavy hitter for size. Long-range calls are promising but less certain, so keep an eye on it. Stay patient.

Rusty.

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