The Pines Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty again, same spot, but in feet and knots for the crew that thinks that way. The Pines is a reef that rarely breaks, so we're hunting for those short windows where everything lines up. Water temp is 15°, right on the money for this time of year.

The week starts flat and uninspiring. Monday the 14th has waves around 3ft from the south-southwest, but with a cross-off breeze and weak energy, it’s just one to skip. Tuesday the 15th gets a big pulse into the 7 to 8ft range, but a 15-knot south cross-onshore wind chops it to bits. The energy is strong, but the conditions are poor. That mess continues through Wednesday and Thursday, with onshore winds and poor to marginal surf. Thursday morning (17th) has cleaner wind but the swell has dropped to around 6ft – still not worth the paddle.

Here’s your first real window: Friday the 18th morning. The wind swings offshore from the north-northwest at 12 knots, and we get a clean 6ft south-southwest groundswell with a 17-second period. The energy is solid, and the surf will be clean and well-shaped. That’s a standout. The afternoon drops off a bit but stays clean.

The weekend goes quiet. Saturday the 19th has only 3ft waves, and even with strong offshore wind, it’s too weak to ride.

Monday the 21st is another big moment. A 8ft south-southwest swell rolls in with glassy conditions – a light north-easterly breeze, barely a knot. The energy is high, and the report says “expect good surf conditions.” That’s 7ft plus, which is expert territory, but clean and powerful for those who want it.

Then Tuesday the 22nd morning is the absolute peak. An 8ft south-southwest swell with a 15-second period and a solid 12-knot offshore wind from the northwest. The wave comment is “expect very good surf conditions,” and the energy is thumping. This is the one. Clean, big, and heavy. Crowds are likely here, but for that session, you’ll put up with it.

The rest of the week is smaller and ordinary until Saturday the 26th, which shows a massive 10ft south-southwest swell with a 21-second period – very long period groundswell, energy off the charts. But the wind is cross-onshore at 12 knots, and it’s rated only marginal. That break will be huge and fast, but choppy.

Last call: Tuesday the 29th afternoon. Swell is around 7ft, 16-second period, with a light north-northeasterly cross-off breeze and a “very good” surf rating. A solid late-season session.

So, if you’ve got one day to stake out, make it Tuesday the 22nd morning. Friday the 18th is a close second and a bit more manageable for a good crew. The rest of the calendar is a mix of small or blown-out.

Rusty

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