38 Line Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what we’ve got cookin’ over the next couple of weeks.

We’re looking at a bit of a slow start, but there’s a solid pulse of energy headed our way mid-period that’ll get the blood pumpin’. The ocean’s been a bit lazy, but don’t write it off just yet.

The first real chance to get wet comes Sunday morning, August 9th, at 38 Line. It’s not gonna be pretty, though. We’ve got a 5ft NE swell, but it’s short-period at 7 seconds, and that light rain with a cross-off wind from the NNW at 12 mph won’t do you any favours. The wave energy is weak (226), and honestly, it’s a marginal call. The water is a steamy 82°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s a three-degree anomaly, so you’ll feel like you’re in a bath.

Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th are a write-off. The swell drops to under 3ft, winds are onshore or cross-on, and the energy fades into the double digits. You’re better off doing something else.

Wednesday the 12th shows a little bump, with 5-5ft NE swell and cross-off winds, but the energy is still moderate (207-248). It’s clean enough, but nothing to write home about.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Thursday morning, August 13th, is the standout. We’ve got a 10ft NE swell pumping in with a 9-second period, and the wave energy is massive (1311). The wind is cross from the north at 19 mph, but this is strictly for experts only – 10ft is too big for most. It’s a risk of thunderstorms, and the forecast says the swell might be too big for the break, so keep your wits about you. The afternoon drops to 8ft and the wind lightens, but it’s still a big, lumpy day.

After that, the swell backs right off. From Friday the 14th onward, we’re looking at a long stretch of small, weak surf. Friday afternoon gives you a glassy 2ft wave, but it’s gutless with an energy reading of just 79. The next week is a desert – from August 16th through the 24th, the swell barely tickles 3ft, and most days are flat or close to it. There’s a glassy morning on August 20th with a 2ft NE swell, but it’s weak (46) and not worth paddling out for.

In short: the only real action is that Thursday the 13th. If you’re an experienced charger, that’s your window. Otherwise, it’s a long, quiet run with very little to offer.

Rusty.

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