The Inlet and Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s look at what’s on the table for The Inlet and Pier over the next 16 days.

First up, the water temp is sitting at 78°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you might not need the thickest wetsuit.

Right now, and for the rest of this week, it’s a bit of a write-off. Sunday and Monday (August 9th and 10th) have tiny waves—1 ft to 2 ft—and the combined energy is weak (10 to 28). Monday morning does go glassy, but with a 0.3 ft easterly swell at 10 seconds, it’s not enough to get excited about. From Tuesday through Saturday (August 11th to 16th), the swell hangs around 0.3 ft to 2 ft, mostly from the SE with some short-period (3 to 10 seconds) slop. The combined energy stays low, under 12. It’s clean enough at times with light offshore or cross-off winds, but there’s just no push. You’re looking at a solid gap of about a week with nothing worth paddling out for.

Then things get a little more interesting. On Monday, August 17th, the morning shows a jump to 4 ft from the south, with a 5-second period. The combined energy bumps to 75, and with a light cross-offshore wind, it’s surfable, though the short period will make it a bit bumpy and soft. Not a standout, but a sign of life.

The real shift comes around August 20th (Thursday afternoon). Swell goes to 4 ft from the south, period 6 seconds, and the combined energy hits 175. That’s moderate energy, but the wind is light cross-onshore, so it will be a little rippled. Still, it’s the biggest wave height in the whole run.

Later, on August 24th (Monday afternoon), we see 4 ft from the NE with a 5-second period and combined energy at 105. Unfortunately, it’s cross-shore wind at 15 mph, so expect chop. That’s more of a kite-surfing scenario than clean paddle surfing.

The only true standout in this entire outlook? Honestly, there isn’t a highlight. The swell direction (SE, S, NE) is not matching the optimum NE direction from the guidance for quality. The best bet for a surfable wave, if you’re desperate, is Monday morning August 17th. The swell is about 4 ft from the south, light cross-offshore wind, and it’s the first real energy in a week. But keep your expectations low—it’s short-period and won't hold its shape well at this beach and jetty setup. For the most part, this spot is in a flat spell. Crowds are often here, but with no surf, the lineup will be empty anyway.

It rarely looks this quiet for this long, so don’t lose hope—forecasts can shift.

Rusty.

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