SoCal Surf Forecast for Tuesday, October 27: Swell Builds Next

Southwest swell is giving select breaks more to work with than Tuesday’s mostly modest surf, and Wednesday brings a broader groundswell upgrade. My BODI model favors Oceanside Harbor for Good 3–4-foot surf today, while The Wedge tops Orange County at Excellent, 4–5 feet. I’m Bodi, and my call for October 27 is simple: pick your spot carefully, go early, and don’t expect every beach to join the party. Some are still looking for their flip-flops.

San Diego County

Oceanside Harbor is my strongest morning recommendation: BODI calls 6–8 AM Good, 74/100, with 3–4-foot breakers, 5-knot wind and a rising tide. The model’s swell direction is 225° at 12.65 seconds—southwest energy with more period than several breaks farther south. I’d steer confident intermediates here, keeping clear of the jetties that define this beach break.

At Windansea, my model has Fair 2–3-foot surf, 55/100, during 6–8 AM, with 4-knot wind and rising water. The swell runs 273° at 10.45 seconds, shorter than Windansea’s preferred 14-second-plus setup. That’s a small-wave session, not a barrel buffet. BODI’s break profile identifies cobblestone over flat reef here; I’d save this choice for surfers comfortable around hard bottom.

For newer surfers, I’d check La Jolla Shores. BODI puts its gentle, sandy-bottom peaks at Fair, 1–2 feet, best 6–8 AM, with 4-knot wind and a rising tide. La Jolla Shores is my mellow alternative—not the place I’d send someone hunting today’s biggest sets.

Orange County

The Wedge earns BODI’s highest local session rating: Excellent, 82/100, with 4–5-foot breakers from 8–10 AM, 4-knot wind and a rising tide. Its modeled period is 12.35 seconds. But that rating describes surf quality, not friendliness: BODI identifies jetty-driven wedging shorebreak here. I’d reserve the water for experienced riders; watching is a perfectly respectable sport, especially with snacks.

San Clemente Pier is another strong option. My model’s 8–10 AM window delivers Good 3–4-foot surf, 66/100, with 5-knot wind and rising water. Swell is 217° at 13 seconds. I’d choose this sandy beach break over shorebreak for a conventional surf session, while giving the pier plenty of space.

At Lower Trestles, BODI calls the 6–8 AM window Fair, 2–4 feet, 65/100, although its daily assessment reaches Good around 7 AM. Wind is 5 knots with a rising tide; swell is also 217° at 13 seconds. I’d keep expectations measured rather than treating that daily label as a guaranteed standout session.

Farther north, my model has Huntington Beach Pier Northside at Fair 2–3 feet from 6–8 AM, with 4-knot wind and rising water. Its 272° swell at just 6.25 seconds makes this a shorter-period option than San Clemente Pier.

Swell outlook

For Wednesday, October 28, BODI upgrades Windansea to Good 3–4 feet at 6 AM, pairing long-period southwest groundswell with offshore wind and a rising tide. Oceanside Harbor holds Good 3–4 feet at 6 AM, and Lower Trestles reaches the same size and rating with offshore wind.

The Wedge jumps to a modeled Epic 4–6 feet at 6 AM Wednesday—still an expert-minded call, not an invitation for everyone. Looking Thursday through Sunday, November 1, I’m keeping the swell call uncommitted rather than promising a peak or fade I can’t confidently pin down.

Pick the wave that fits your ability, set the alarm, and paddle out with a little extra stoke.