Wildwood Crest Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, it’s Rusty here, and I’ve gotta be straight with you – the next couple of weeks are looking pretty bleak for Wildwood Crest. We’ve got a long stretch of tiny, weak surf ahead, so don’t go getting your hopes up for anything special. The first real glimmer of something worth paddling out for doesn’t show up until the end of the month, and even then, it’s a short-lived window.

Starting now, we’re in a dry spell. From Monday the 17th right through to the morning of Saturday the 23rd, it’s all small, weak, and pretty forgettable. Most days are seeing swell heights around 0.7ft to 2ft, coming from the south or southeast, with periods mostly under 8 seconds – that’s weak, short-period windswill. The combined energy is barely creeping into double digits, usually between 13 and 35 (weak energy), so you’re not gonna feel much push. Winds are mostly cross-off or cross, which keeps the surface clean, but there’s just no wave to work with.

On the morning of Sunday the 23rd, we finally get a sniff of something. A light offshore wind from the NNW and a 2ft swell from the east, period at 6 seconds. The combined energy is a bit better at 48 (still weak), but the conditions are described as “surfable but very ordinary.” It’s not a standout, but it’s the first real chance to get wet with some clean lines. If you’re desperate, you could make it work, but don’t expect much.

Then we hit another flat, poor stretch from the afternoon of the 23rd all the way through to the morning of Thursday the 27th. More tiny waves, onshore or cross-onshore winds, and energy levels in the teens and thirties. It’s a real grind.

The morning of Thursday the 27th brings a little hope. We’ve got glassy conditions with a 2ft groundswell from the southeast, a period of 13 seconds – that’s proper long-period energy. The combined energy jumps to 149 (moderate energy). Still, the forecast says “surfable but very ordinary,” so it’s not a barnburner, but the glassy surface and the longer period make it the best option up to that point. The afternoon looks similar, with glassy wind and a 2ft, 13-second SE swell, energy at 142 (moderate). It’s clean, but the waves are small.

Now, the real standout – if you can wait for it – is the morning of Friday the 28th of August. This is the one to circle on the calendar. We’re looking at a 4ft swell from the southeast, with a period of 14 seconds. That’s a solid, long-period groundswell. The combined energy is a massive 521 (strong energy), which is a whole different ballgame compared to everything else. Winds are cross-off from the north at 9 mph, keeping things clean. The forecast says “expect very good surf conditions” – that’s the best call we get all period. This is for the more experienced crew, as it’s pushing over 3ft, so it’s got some punch. The water temp is sitting at a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, around 77°, which is about 3° above average – nothing crazy, but pleasant.

The afternoon of the 28th is still good, with a 3ft SE swell, 13-second period, and energy at 347 (still strong). Winds go light and cross-off, so it stays clean. This is your second-best window.

After that, it drops off again. The 29th and 30th see the swell backing off to 2ft and below, with energy falling back to double digits. By the 31st and into September, it’s all tiny, onshore windslop again. The 1st of September is a total write-off with 0.3ft waves.

So, to sum it up: the best surf on offer is the morning of Friday the 28th of August at Wildwood Crest. That 4ft SE groundswell with 14-second periods and clean, cross-off wind is your ticket. The afternoon of the same day is a solid backup. The morning of the 27th is the next best, with glassy conditions but smaller waves. The 23rd morning is the only real option before that, but it’s very ordinary.

Crowds at Wildwood Crest are “often” an issue, especially when the waves finally show up, so expect some company on that Friday the 28th. Given the long gap of flatness, the locals will be hungry.

Stay patient, and keep your eyes on that Friday the 28th.

Rusty.

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