13th Ave South Surfside Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. I’m lookin’ at the charts for 13th Ave South Surfside for the next couple of weeks, and I gotta be straight with you – it’s a pretty grim stretch. The swell window just ain't cooperating, and the wind is messy most of the time.

For the first week, from Monday the 20th through to Saturday the 26th, it’s a write-off. We’ve got a weak, short-period S swell, mostly between 1 ft and 4 ft, but the wind is a constant problem. Mostly cross or cross-onshore, often fresh and lumpy, with a few thunderstorms in the mix. The combined wave energy barely gets going, with a weak 18 to 186 (combined energy of all swells directed here). The water is a touch warmer than normal at 85° on Monday morning, but that’s small comfort when the waves are shit. You’re not gonna want to paddle out in this.

We finally get a brief window on Thursday morning the 23rd. The wind switches to a light cross-offshore from the WSW at 9 mph, cleaning things up. The swell is a modest 3 ft from the S, with a moderate energy reading of 114. It’s surfable, but ordinary. Still, that’s the best the week’s got.

Then we hit another dead zone. Friday the 24th through Sunday the 27th is all small, weak, and choppy. Monday the 27th has a clean-looking cross-offshore wind, but the swell is a pathetic 1 ft from the SSE. Barely a ripple.

Now, here’s a little glimmer. Tuesday the 28th of July. The morning brings a clean offshore breeze from the NNW at 9 mph, and the swell pushes up to 4 ft from the S. The energy comes in at a moderate 111. It’s not a standout day, but it’s the best we’ve seen. The afternoon stays clean with a cross-offshore wind from the SW. If you’re desperate, that Tuesday morning is your window.

The rest of the run is a total dud. Wednesday the 29th through to Tuesday the 4th of August is all small, weak, and onshore. We’re talkin’ swell under 2 ft, with combined energy readings dropping to as low as 7. There’s a glassy morning on the 1st of August, but with only 1.0 ft of SE swell, it’s not worth the wetsuit. This is a long, blank run. For an inconsistent spot like this, it’s not unusual, but it still stings.

Honestly, for a beginner spot, even the best day on Tuesday the 28th is only 4 ft – that’s fine for learning. But the crowds are possible here, so if you go, you might have company. The optimum swell direction is SE, and we’re getting S swells, so it’s never quite firing on all cylinders.

So, to sum it up: if you’re a surfer, stay home until at least Tuesday the 28th of July. That morning is your only real chance. Otherwise, this is a long two weeks of nothing. The forecasts could change, but don’t hold your breath.

Rusty.

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