Torrey Pines State Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

Look, I’ll be straight with you – the next couple of weeks around Torrey Pines State Beach are a bit of a mixed bag. We’ve got some long-period groundswell trying to push in, but it’s going to be a waiting game. The water is sitting at 76°, which is way warmer than usual for this time of year – a solid 8° above average, so you’ll be in for a warm one if you get in.

The first real chance to wet a line comes on Saturday, 29 August. We’ve got a clean 4ft swell out of the SSW, with a very long 16-second period. That’s some serious energy in the water (combined energy of 728). The morning is calling for a light offshore breeze from the W. That’s glassy potential, folks. The break is exposed to the swell, but the optimum direction is WNW, so we’re a little off-angle. It’ll be a bit inconsistent, but when a set comes through, it’ll have some push. Keep in mind this is a beginner spot, so the 4ft is manageable for most, though the long period might make it a bit walled-off at the beach break. It’s a marginal call, but Saturday morning is the best of the first week.

Sunday, 30 August, the swell drops a touch to 4ft, still from the SSW, but the wind swings around to a cross-onshore SW breeze. The waves will get a little choppy. Still rideable if you’re keen, but it won’t be as clean as Saturday.

We hit a slump from Monday, 31 August, right through the end of the first week. The swell drops to 3ft or less, and the wind stays on it. The wave energy plummets (down to 173 by Tuesday), and we’re looking at poor conditions. There’s a run of days here with nothing to recommend.

We get a tiny flicker on Wednesday, 2 September, with a 4ft swell, but it’s the same story – cross-onshore wind and a marginal call. Not worth getting excited about. Thursday, 3 September, sees a pulse of energy with a 4ft swell and a 15-second period, giving us a combined energy of 912, but still with onshore wind. Frustrating.

Now, here’s the one to circle on your calendar. Tuesday, 8 September. The forecast shows a healthy 8ft SSW swell, with a 13-second period. That’s pumping 2103 units of energy. This is expert territory – over 8ft is not for beginners. The wind is light offshore from the WNW, which is great news. This is a big, clean groundswell. The period is long enough to have real power, but not so long it’ll be a straight wall at the beach. This is the standout. However, it’s over a week away, so keep an eye on it – forecasts can shift.

After that, the swell backs off again. Wednesday, 9 September, has a 5ft swell, but it’s a short, weak 8-second period (combined energy 657). That’s choppy and weak. The rest of the second week is all small, poor surf with onshore or cross-onshore winds. The energy drops right down to under 500 again. There’s a small window on Sunday, 13 September, with a 4ft swell and 13-second period, but the wind is cross-onshore and it’s a marginal call.

So, to wrap it up: Saturday morning (29 August) is your best early bet for a clean, fun session. But the real prize is on Tuesday, 8 September, for the experienced crew looking for some size. The rest of the time? It’s a waiting game.

Rusty.

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