Chadbourne Gulch Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get this surf outlook cooked up. This is a rare one – we’ve got a long stretch ahead, but it ain’t gonna be easy. Hang tight, crew.

Well, looks like we’re in for a bit of a slow burn here. The surf’s not really showing up proper until Wednesday the 15th, and even then it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The first few days are all about Chadbourne Gulch, and honestly, it’s a tough start. The water’s sitting at 55°, which is about average for this time of year, nothing wild there.

Wednesday morning, the 15th, we’ve got a 5ft swell from the NW, with a short period of 7 seconds. That’s gonna be a bit crumbly, and the wind is a light cross-on from the NW at 6 mph. The combined energy is a moderate 551. It’s not great, but it’s a start. The afternoon bumps up to 7ft, same short period, and the wind shifts to a light cross-on from the WNW. Still, the report says “marginal,” so don’t expect any gems.

Thursday the 16th is a write-off. Morning has a 2ft swell with a crazy long period of 19 seconds, but the wind is a gentle cross-on at 9 mph, making it choppy. The afternoon swell jumps to 8ft, still short period, but the wind is the same mess. Both sessions are rated “poor.” Honestly, this is a day to find something else to do.

Friday the 17th shows a flicker of hope. The morning has a 3ft swell from the WNW with a long period of 17 seconds and a light cross-on wind. The afternoon gets a bit cleaner: 3ft, same long period, and the wind turns fully onshore but very light from the WNW at 3 mph. The combined energy jumps to 1054, which is moderate. It’s still “marginal,” but the afternoon is the best we’ve seen so far.

Saturday the 18th is similar. The morning has 3ft, long period, and a light onshore wind from the W. The afternoon drops to 3ft from the SW, with a very long period of 18 seconds and a slight air. The energy is strong, at 917 and 1020, but the wave quality is still “marginal.” The long period at this beach break might make it a bit straight, but the light winds are a plus.

Sunday the 19th through Tuesday the 22nd, we’re just treading water. Swells stay under 5ft, periods are long, and the winds are mostly light and onshore or cross-onshore. The energy is moderate, but the wave comments are all “marginal.” Not a stretch for a standout, just a few small, cleanish waves for the patient surfer.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. From Thursday the 23rd, the swell starts to build. The afternoon has 7ft from the NW with a short period, and the energy is strong at 940. The wind is a slight air, so it might be glassy. It’s still “marginal,” but it’s bigger.

The real standout window kicks off Friday the 24th. The morning has a solid 7ft NW swell, with a 9-second period, and the wind is a slight air from the WSW. The combined energy is a very strong 1363. The afternoon gets even better: a 3ft swell from the SW, but with a very long period of 24 seconds, and the energy is a massive 1794. The wind is a light cross-on. This is some serious groundswell energy. For a point break or reef, this would be a dream, but at Chadbourne Gulch, that long period might make it a bit straight. Still, the sheer size and energy for the morning session is the standout of the whole 16 days.

Saturday the 25th keeps the good energy going. Morning has 4ft from the SW with a 21-second period and a strong energy of 1983. The wind is a light onshore. The afternoon has 4ft from the S, 16-second period, and energy of 1801, with a light cross-on. This is consistent, powerful, and clean enough for a good session.

The last few days, from Sunday the 26th to Wednesday the 30th, the energy slowly drops. Swells are between 3ft and 4ft, with long periods and mostly light winds. It’s not bad, but it’s not the highlight.

The best on offer: Forget the first week. The standout is the morning of Friday, July 24th. That 7ft NW swell with a slight air wind and very strong energy (1363) is the go. The following few days, especially the 25th, are also pumping with big energy and clean conditions. If you can only pick one session, aim for the 24th morning, but be aware that 7ft is getting into expert territory, and the long periods might keep it a bit shifty at the beach.

Alright, that’s the read. Conditions are tough, but there’s some hidden power in the second week. Keep an eye on that horizon.

Rusty.

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