Californias Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer.

Well, I gotta be straight with you – this 16-day window is a tough one. The only break that’s even on the radar for the whole run is Californias, and honestly, it’s not looking like a prime time to be out there. This is a reef setup, pretty exposed to the north, and it’s a fairly consistent spot, but the whole forecast period is a real struggle for quality surf.

We kick off on Tuesday, 11th of August, with a tiny bit of energy. There’s a 2ft swell from the east, with a long period of 12 seconds, which is a proper groundswell. The combined energy is weak (91), and the water temp is a warm 85°, which is about average for this time of year. The wind is a cross-off from the southeast, but it’s a risk of thunderstorms morning, so conditions are ordinary. It’s a surfable wave but nothing to write home about.

The rest of the week and into the next is a real grind. The swell stays tiny, barely cracking 2ft, and the wind is all over the place – cross, cross-off, glassy – but it’s just not enough push. The whole run from Wednesday 12th through to Sunday 16th has zero scores above a 1, and most days are rated as poor surf. The energy is weak, often in the 20s and 30s. There’s a moment of glass on Wednesday afternoon, 12th August, with a tiny 1ft wave, but it’s just not enough.

From Monday 17th August right through to the end of the window on Wednesday 26th, it’s a long, dry spell. The swell flatlines completely for days on end, with no wave height recorded and zero energy. The wind is mostly offshore or cross-off, but with no swell, it’s just a waste. The 23rd of August has a sniff of a 0.3ft easterly swell with a 13-second period, but the wind is a strong 25 mph offshore, which is hard to paddle into. The energy is a pathetic 4.

So, what’s the best of a bad bunch? Honestly, there’s no standout here. The only time you might get a half-decent paddle is Tuesday morning, 11th of August, on that 2ft east swell. The long period means it’ll have some shape, and the cross-off wind is okay, but it’s for advanced surfers only given the reef. Don’t expect any crowds, because nobody is going to be out for this.

This is a classic case of a blank run for this area. It’s a tough stretch, but forecasts can change, so keep your eyes peeled.

Stay tuned, Rusty.

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