Cañaveral Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s happening over the next couple of weeks.

Alright, the first recommendation kicks off on Thursday afternoon, 9th July. We’ve got some NE swell rolling in with a strength of 6 ft, period around 8 seconds, and the combined energy is sitting at 493 (moderate). The wind is from the NNE at 6 mph, which is onshore, and there’s a risk of thunderstorms. The water temperature is 81°, which is about average for the time of year. It’s a bit of a messy start, but the forecast is calling it “marginal surf,” so I’d say it’s just a warm-up.

Now, Friday 10th July is where things start to get interesting. The morning shows 8 ft of NE swell with a 9-second period and 798 (moderate) energy, but the wind from the E at 6 mph is cross-shore, so it’s not perfect. The afternoon, though, is where the real juice kicks in. The swell jumps to 10 ft, NE, 9-second period, and the energy is a solid 1190 (strong). The wind is from the ENE at 9 mph, cross-onshore, and it’s going to be a bit choppy. This is a solid, punchy swell, but it’s too big for beginners and even for most intermediates to be honest. It’s more of a big-wave day for the experienced crew.

Saturday 11th July is similar in size, 10 ft, NE, but the period drops to 8 seconds, and the wind is up to 12 mph, making it choppy. The energy is still strong (1217), but the wind is just too messy. It’s a “poor surf conditions” call in the morning. The afternoon is a bit better wind-wise, but still cross-onshore. This is a day for the big-wave chargers only, and even then, the wind is a letdown.

Sunday 12th and Monday 13th see the swell drop back to the 8 ft to 8 ft range, with 8-second periods and moderate energy (653 to 725). The wind is still cross-onshore from the ENE at 9 mph. It’s all “marginal surf” until Monday afternoon. That’s when we get a little gift: a glassy session on Monday afternoon, 13th July. The swell is 7 ft, NE, 8 seconds, and the wind goes dead calm from the NE at 3 mph. The energy is 608 (moderate). This is the best window in the first week. The wind is light, and the waves will be clean, even if the period is short. It’s a good session for a beginner to intermediate if they time it right.

The rest of the week from Tuesday 14th through to the 18th is a bit of a grind. The swell stays in the 7 ft to 8 ft range, 8-second period, with moderate energy. The wind is mostly cross-onshore from the ENE at 6 to 9 mph. The common phrase is “marginal surf,” and it’s just not going to be a highlight. Consistency is there, but quality is lacking.

Now, we’ve got a gap in the standouts until Monday 20th July. Monday afternoon, 20th July, brings another glassy session. The swell is big again, 10 ft, NE, 8 seconds, and the energy is a massive 1383 (very strong). The wind is from the NNE at 3 mph, glassy. This is another clean window, but that 10 ft is a big wave, so it’s only for experts. The short period (8 seconds) means it will be a bit bumpy, but the glassy surface will make it look good.

After that, from Tuesday 21st to Friday 24th July, we’re back to the same pattern: 7 ft to 8 ft, 8-second period, cross-onshore wind. The energy stays moderate, and the forecast is all “marginal.” The last day, Friday 24th July afternoon, shows another 10 ft push with 1252 energy, but it’s not a standout because the wind is cross-onshore again.

So, the best of the best? That Monday 13th July afternoon glassy session is the one to aim for. It’s clean, 7 ft, and the wind is off. The Monday 20th July afternoon is a close second, but that big 10 ft is only for the brave. The rest of the time, it’s a steady but messy run of NE swell. For the kite surfers, the windy, choppy days with 10 ft swell on Saturday and Sunday would be a lot more fun than for us paddle guys.

Stay safe out there, and keep an eye on the sky.

Rusty.

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