Stinson Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again. Let’s be straight with you – this outlook for Stinson Beach is a bit of a tough one. The whole 16-day window is a real mixed bag of small, disorganised swell and tricky wind. You’re gonna have to be patient and pick your moments.

The first real chance to get wet doesn't come until Saturday morning, the 8th of August. Even then, it’s only a marginal call with a tiny 2ft swell from the SSW, but the period is a long 18 seconds, which is promising for a bit of shape. The wind is offshore though, from the WSW at 6 mph, so it’ll be clean. The combined wave energy is moderate (332). It’s not going to be a classic, but it’s the best we’ve seen in a few days. Water temp is sitting at 60°, which is a touch warmer than you’d normally expect for this time of year.

After that, we get a bit of a pulse. Sunday morning, the 9th, sees a bump in size to 6ft from the WNW with a 10-second period. The energy is strong (694). The trouble is, the wind is cross-onshore from the W at 6 mph, which will put a bit of a ruffle on the surface. It’s a marginal session at best. That size is okay for most, but the wind is a bit of a buzzkill.

Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th stay similar in size, around 5ft to 6ft from the WNW, but the wind just won’t play ball. It’s cross-onshore most of the time. The swell might have some power, but it’s going to be choppy and messy.

Then we hit a long, quiet patch. From the 12th of August all the way through to the 18th, the swell drops back to 2ft to 3ft. The wind is a mix of light offshore and cross-onshore, but the energy is moderate and the waves are just too small and weak to get excited about. Most of the days are flagged as “poor surf conditions.” It’s a real lull.

But hold on. There’s a glimmer. Wednesday morning, the 19th of August. That’s the standout. The swell is only 2ft from the SW, but the period is a very long 16 seconds. The real story here is the wind: glassy. Absolutely dead calm. This will be the cleanest, most inviting surf of the whole period. The combined energy is moderate (307). For a break that’s fairly exposed, that glassy surface will make the most of even a small groundswell. It’s a genuine morning for a longboard or a funboard. Don’t expect a crowd because it’s inconsistent, but it might be a few locals out.

So, to sum it up: the first week is a struggle with small, windy surf. The best bet, by a long shot, is that glassy Wednesday morning on the 19th. Don’t sleep on it.

Rusty.

Read more