The Pines Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. This is The Pines, a sheltered reef break that’s tricky—it’s an exposed spot but only really works when the swell comes from the right direction. It’s a beginner-friendly wave, but it’s a rare one, only breaks occasionally. The water temp is sitting at 58°, which is dead average for this time of year, so nothing unusual there.

The first few days are a bit of a mixed bag. Monday morning, the 24th, we’ve got a 5ft SSW swell with a solid 14-second period, and the wind is light from the north, cross-offshore. That’s clean, and the combined energy is moderate (997). It’s surfable, but it’s not a standout. The afternoon turns messy with a cross-shore breeze and poor conditions, so that’s a flop. Tuesday the 25th is a write-off—rain, strong onshore winds, and a lumpy, ugly 8ft SSW swell. Skip it.

Wednesday the 26th gets back on track. Clear skies, light offshore winds, and a clean 6ft SSW swell (13-second period) with moderate energy (1075). That’s a nice morning session. Thursday the 27th keeps it going: morning clean with 4ft SSW swell, then Thursday afternoon we get a sweet offshore from the NNW at 9 mph, with the same 4ft swell. That’s 4ft of clean, glassy waves—easy paddling, good shape for a beginner reef. The combined energy is moderate (899). This is a solid window.

Friday the 28th is a bit of a tease. The swell jumps to 6ft with a 16-second period (very long period groundswell), and the energy is strong (3899). But the wind is cross-shore or cross-onshore, so it’s not clean—just a marginal call. Saturday the 29th morning is clean again with 4ft, but the afternoon is onshore and poor.

Now, here’s the real standout. Monday the 31st of August. This is the one. Glassy conditions all day, an 8ft SSW swell with a 17 to 18-second period, and the combined energy is massive (4523 to 5018). This is excellent surf for experienced surfers—the size means beginners should stay out. The period is super long, so expect long lines, plenty of power, and clean faces. That’s a session to circle on the calendar.

Tuesday the 1st of September keeps things good with offshore winds and 6ft plus 5ft SSW swell—clean, consistent, and moderate energy. The first week of September has a lot of clean, fun-sized swell in the 4ft to 6ft range, with light winds. Thursday the 3rd afternoon sees a bump to 8ft SW with a 13-second period, and the wind is cross-off, so that’s another good window.

The second week looks promising but with a caveat. From the 6th of September, the swell picks up big time. Sunday the 6th has 8ft SSW swell but strong winds (25 mph NNW) making it messy. The 7th and 8th get huge—12ft up to 16ft SSW swell, with very long 18-second periods and crazy energy (up to 13505 on the 8th). The wind is cross-offshore but strong, so it’s heavy and powerful. This is expert-only territory. The wave will be big, fast, and demanding. For most, it’s a look-and-watch day.

So, the best of the lot: without a doubt, Monday the 31st of August. Glassy, 8ft, long-period SSW groundswell, and epic energy. That’s the one to get excited about. The Thursday and Friday windows before that are also solid, clean options. But if you’re a beginner, stick to the smaller days around the 4ft to 6ft range with light winds—like Thursday the 27th or Tuesday the 1st.

Rusty

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