Deep South
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Rutherford Beach, Deep South. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sun, May 10: 0–1ft, 4s period, rated Very Poor. A slow one — 0-1ft waves and very poor conditions with 11mph from the SE.
Mon, May 11: 0–1ft, 5s period, rated Very Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 0-1ft and mostly very poor with moderate NE wind around 7mph. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 11mph.
Tue, May 12: 0–1ft, 7s period, rated Very Poor. Slim pickings today — 0-1ft and very poor with light winds out of the NNE.
Wed, May 13: flat–flatft, 6s period, rated Very Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 0-1ft and mostly very poor with light NNE winds.
Thu, May 14: flat–flatft, 5s period, rated Very Poor. Slim pickings today — Flat and very poor with calm winds. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 10mph.
Free, simple, and takes 30 seconds.
Rutherford Beach is a forgiving sandy beach break located on the Gulf Coast of Southeast Texas, offering mellow, rolling waves perfect for learning and progression. The beach faces northeast but receives the majority of its swell from southern and southeastern sources, particularly during fall and winter swells. This spot is known for its accessible lineup and consistent small-to-medium waves that break across a wide sandy bottom, making it an ideal destination for beginners and families looking to enjoy the warm Gulf waters.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Rutherford Beach is 0-1ft with a 3.55s swell period. Wind is SSE at 12mph and conditions are rated Very Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Rutherford Beach is 0-1ft, produced by a 2.2ft SE wind swell swell at 4s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Rutherford Beach is Monday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 1ft waves, a 5.45s swell period, and conditions rated Very Poor. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Rutherford Beach works best with a S swell and N winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at Rutherford Beach. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
Rutherford Beach is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Rutherford Beach is a forgiving sandy beach break located on the Gulf Coast of Southeast Texas, offering mellow, rolling waves perfect for learning and progression. The beach faces northeast but receives the majority of its swell from southern and southeastern sources, particularly during fall and winter swells. This spot is known for its accessible lineup and consistent small-to-medium waves that break across a wide sandy bottom, making it an ideal destination for beginners and families looking to enjoy the warm Gulf waters.
The prime season at Rutherford Beach is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Common hazards at Rutherford Beach include occasional rip currents, murky water visibility, boat traffic. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Rutherford Beach forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
