Cape Mendocino Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, I’m gonna level with you. This next week and a half is looking like a real dud for surf. I’m calling it as I see it.

Starting Tuesday, August 18th, we’ve got a tiny 2ft swell from the SSW at Cape Mendocino, but the wind is a cross-wind, and it’s ruining it. The combined energy is weak, sitting at 326 (moderate). The water is at 55°F, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so a wetsuit is a must.

We’re looking at a big, long gap here. From Tuesday all the way through to the end of August, it’s the same story: small, weak swells, cross-shore winds, and constant "poor" or "marginal" conditions. The wind stays stubbornly cross or cross-on, blowing at 12 to 18 mph, and the waves never get above 3ft. It’s going to be a week and a half of blown-out, choppy, tiny surf. There’s no standout at all, just a lot of frustrating days.

The only thing that breaks the pattern is way down the line. On Monday, the 31st of August, we get a jump in the morning. The swell hits 8ft from the NW, but it’s a short period at 8 seconds. The combined energy jumps to 1038, which is strong. The wind is light cross-onshore, which is better, but this is a big, short-period wave. At 8ft, that’s expert territory. It’s going to be a heavy, powerful, and probably messy. For Cape Mendocino, which is exposed to SW, this NW swell isn’t the ideal direction, but it’s the biggest wave we’ve seen by a long shot. It’s a long-range call, so don’t start planning your trip yet, but it’s the only thing that looks like it might be worth a look for the experienced guys.

The first week of September looks like it’s back to the same old small, poor surf. It’s a tough stretch. This kind of blank run is pretty normal for this area when the swells are quiet, so don’t worry too much. Forecasts can change quick.

Rusty.

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