Suicide Cliffs Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's get into it.

First off, I gotta be straight with you – the start of this forecast is a real bummer. We’re looking at a solid week of nothing. From now right through to Friday, August 7th, the swell is basically non-existent. You’ll be staring at flat, glassy water. The energy is a measly 13 to 22 (13 to 22), and it's just not worth paddling out for. The winds are offshore and clean, but there’s nothing to ride.

Then things get a bit wild. On Friday afternoon, August 7th, we get a big spike of energy, but it's a mess. The swell jumps to 12 feet from the west, with a period of 10 seconds, and the combined energy hits 3657 (3657) – that’s moderate, but the wind is a strong cross-shore from the ESE at 15 mph. It’s a choppy, lumpy mess. Not for the faint of heart.

Saturday, August 8th, is a total monster. The data shows a 39 foot swell from the SSW with a very long period of 14 seconds, and the energy figures are insane at 58271 (58271). That is *very* strong wave energy. But here’s the catch – it’s way too big for Suicide Cliffs. The wind is a violent storm-force from the SSE, blowing straight onshore. That’s a dangerous, blown-out nightmare. The morning looks even worse than the afternoon. This is kite-surfing territory, not paddle surfing.

From Sunday, August 9th, through Wednesday, August 12th, the swell stays big and powerful, dropping from 18 feet down to 4 feet, but the wind is relentless onshore from the SSE or SSW. The wave energy is still strong to moderate (10700 down to 597), but the conditions are poor. The wind is just mucking it up completely.

Now, things start to turn around. On Thursday, August 13th, we finally get a break. The swell drops to a manageable 4 feet from the SW, with a 12-second period, and the wind swings to a cross-offshore from the WNW at 12-15 mph. The energy is a weak 517 (517). It’s marginal, but for the first time in a while, it’s clean. You could get a few fun ones if you’re patient.

Friday, August 14th, is more of the same: 4 feet SW swell, cross-offshore wind, clean but small. The energy is still weak at 334 (334). It’s a good day for a longboard.

Now, if you’re looking for the standout, circle Saturday, August 15th. The morning sees a 6 foot SW swell with a 10-second period, and the energy is moderate at 855 (855). The wind is a clean cross-offshore from the NW. But the real magic is the afternoon. The wind drops to a gentle breeze from the NE, staying cross-offshore, and the data says to expect very good surf conditions. The swell is 6 feet from the SW, and the energy is 839 (839). This is the best on offer in the whole 16-day window. It’s a little punchy, but with the wind like that, Suicide Cliffs should be peeling nicely.

Sunday, August 16th, and Monday, August 17th, keep the fun going with 6 feet to 6 feet SW swell, clean cross-offshore winds, and moderate energy in the 588 to 883 range. It’s not as good as Saturday afternoon, but it’s still a solid run of surf.

So, to sum it up: suffer through the flat spell, dodge the giant storm, and then lock in Saturday afternoon, August 15th, for the best chance of a clean, fun session.

Rusty.

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