Californias Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the cards for the next couple of weeks.

Straight up, I'm not gonna sugar-coat it – this is a tough stretch. We're looking at a long, painful gap with no real surf to speak of. From now until the 17th of August, it's pretty much a write-off. We've got storms, gale-force cross-shore winds, and constant thunderstorm risks smashing up what little swell there is. The water is sittin' at a warm 86°F and feels a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, but that's about the only pleasant thing I can say. For the first ten days, the energy is weak (78 to 103) and the conditions are just plain ugly.

The one and only spot worth a mention is Californias. It's a reef break, fairly consistent, and it does need an offshore from the ENE. The optimum swell direction is from the north, so we're already fighting an uphill battle.

Now, let's talk about the one tiny window we have. The best chance of a paddle comes around the 18th and 19th of August. On the 18th, Tuesday morning, we get a moment of glassy conditions with a light ENE wind. The swell is tiny at 2ft from the ENE, with a 12-second period, and the combined energy is a weak 87. It's surfable, but just barely. The 18th afternoon picks up a bit with clean conditions and a 2ft ENE swell, energy jumping to 157 (moderate energy). Then on the 19th, Wednesday morning, we get a clean 3ft easterly swell with a short, choppy 6-second period. That's the biggest surf of the whole window, but the period is short, so it'll be a bit lumpy. The energy is only 99 (weak). This is honestly the pick of a very poor bunch.

After that, the 20th onwards sees the energy drop back to single or low double digits, with messy cross-shore winds and conditions that are just not worth the drive. There's a long-range look at the 23rd of August, Sunday morning, with a 1ft easterly swell and a very long 16-second period, plus a clean offshore wind, but the energy is a paltry 45. It's a promise, but a very, very distant one.

So, to sum it up: if you're absolutely desperate, the 18th and 19th of August at Californias are your only real shot. It's small, it's weak, but at least the wind will be kind. For the rest of the time, I'd suggest you clean your gear, check the wax, and wait for a better forecast. This one's a stinker.

Rusty.

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