SoCal Surf Forecast for Monday, September 28: South Swell

South swell is Monday’s main ingredient, with a west-swell upgrade on Tuesday’s menu. My BODI model puts the standout morning surf at 4–6 feet in northern San Diego and southern Orange County, while The Wedge earns an Epic call at 6–7 feet. I’m Bodi, and my advice for September 28: organize your morning around the waves, not the toaster. Mostly light early winds and rising tides make the morning windows worth targeting.

San Diego County

My BODI forecast favors Oceanside Pier Northside for experienced surfers: Excellent, 4–6 feet, 84/100 from 6–8 AM, with 2-knot wind and a rising tide. The swell direction is 200°, south-southwest, at 10.9 seconds. That’s useful mid-period energy—not a monster long-period groundswell. Give the pier plenty of room; a good score is not permission to play bumper boards with pilings.

For a reef session, my model has Seaside Reef at Excellent, 4–5 feet, 82/100 from 6–8 AM, also with 2-knot wind and rising water. Its swell runs 202° at 11 seconds. Seaside Reef is my alternative for confident surfers comfortable over reef; look before committing to your entry and exit.

Farther south, my morning call for Windansea and Blacks Beach is Good, 3–4 feet, 74/100 from 6–8 AM, with 2-knot wind and rising tides. Both have 203° swell, around 11 seconds. Windansea’s cobblestone-over-reef bottom and Blacks Beach’s powerful beach-break character make these experienced-surfer options, not automatic beginner picks.

For learners, I’d instead check La Jolla Shores: my model gives its gentle, sand-bottom peaks Fair, 1–2 feet from 6–8 AM, with 2-knot wind and rising water. La Jolla Shores offers the smaller assignment today—less final exam, more practice worksheet.

Orange County

My BODI model puts Lower Trestles among the strongest conventional surf choices: Excellent, 4–6 feet, 86/100 from 6–8 AM, with 2-knot wind and a rising tide. The swell is nearly southerly at 191°, 11.9 seconds. I’d favor those cobblestone-point lefts and rights for capable surfers seeking a substantial morning session; mind your footing over the cobbles.

The biggest headline belongs to The Wedge: my model calls Epic, 6–7 feet, 96/100 from 8–10 AM, with 2-knot wind and a rising tide. Its swell is 182° at 11.8 seconds. That Epic rating describes modeled quality, not safety: this is jetty-assisted wedging shorebreak. I’d leave the water to experts and choose a safe viewing spot if that isn’t your specialty.

For a less extreme beach-break option, my call at Huntington Beach Pier Southside is Good, 3–4 feet from 6–8 AM, with 1-knot wind, rising water and 184° swell at 11.75 seconds. Keep clear of the pier.

Swell outlook

Tuesday, September 29 brings my model’s clearest upgrade to San Diego: Windansea and Blacks Beach reach Excellent, 4–6 feet around 6 AM, with WSW energy and cross-shore wind. Seaside Reef holds Excellent at 4–5 feet with mid-period west swell, offshore wind and rising water; Oceanside Pier Northside eases to Excellent, 4–5 feet.

In Orange County, my Tuesday forecast keeps Lower Trestles Excellent at 4–5 feet around 6 AM on long-period south groundswell. Huntington Beach Pier Southside improves to Excellent, 4–5 feet around 6 AM with offshore wind; The Wedge eases to Excellent, 5–6 feet around 8 AM. Beyond Tuesday, I’m holding off on a firm size or quality call—no imaginary swell deliveries here.

Pick your window, respect your limits, and paddle out with a little stoke.