Ano Nuevo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. We’ve got a real mixed bag on our hands for the next couple of weeks. Honestly, this isn't the kind of forecast that gets you out of bed early. We're looking at a long stretch of poor surf conditions, with a lot of cross-shore and onshore winds messing up what little swell we have.

The first bit of action, if you can call it that, is a pulse of swell arriving on Friday, July 31st. Ano Nuevo will see a 3ft SSW swell with a period of 14 seconds. That's a decent period, a bit of groundswell, but the wind is a problem. A moderate NW breeze is blowing cross-shore, making it bumpy and uninviting. The combined energy is moderate at 619, but the report says it all – poor surf. The water is a touch warmer than normal at 60°F.

Saturday, August 1st, the swell bumps up to 6ft, but it's a short-period NW windswell at 8 seconds. Combine that with a fresh cross-shore wind, and you've got a lumpy, choppy mess. Not the place to be.

The following week, from August 2nd through the 14th, is a real struggle. We see small waves, mostly under 4ft, and the wind is never our friend. It's a constant battle of light onshore breezes or moderate cross-shore winds. The energy is weak, with values often in the 200-400 range, and the guidance labels everything as poor surf. There are a few mornings, like Monday, August 3rd, where the conditions are labelled "marginal," but the onshore wind kills it.

The best chance for a wave comes right at the end of the outlook. On Saturday, August 15th, we have a 3ft SSW swell with a very long 17-second period. The combined energy is moderate at 707, and the wind is light and cross-on. This is the standout window. That long period means those waves will have plenty of power, but at a beach-and-reef spot like Ano Nuevo, a long-period SSW swell can be proper. The light wind is the key here – it could be clean. But with a rating of 2/5 and "inconsistent" in the guidance, you have to be patient. This is a spot for the advanced crew, not beginners.

The rest of the 16 days is a write-off. That's a long gap of nearly two weeks where I wouldn't bother paddling out here. The setup is more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing on those windy days.

Stay tuned, the forecast can change, but for now, manage your expectations.

Rusty

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