Chadbourne Gulch Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again, giving you the same outlook for Chadbourne Gulch in the old-school numbers.

Right from the start, we're looking at a stretch of surf that's a bit of a mixed bag. A persistent cross-onshore breeze is going to stir things up for most of the run, but we've got some serious groundswell energy on the menu, especially early on. The water's sitting at about 54°F, which is pretty standard for this time of year – nothing to write home about.

The first real action is on Monday, July 6th. A solid SSW groundswell is rolling in with a very long period of 16 to 17 seconds. The swell height is a manageable 2ft to 3ft, but the real story is the energy. The combined energy is 623, then climbs to 803 by the afternoon – that's some serious power for the size. That long period will give the waves great shape and punch, though at a beach break it can make them a bit steep and fast. The morning has a light offshore wind before it shifts onshore. Not perfect, but with that groundswell, it'll still be worth a look.

Tuesday the 7th keeps the same vibe. The long-period SSW groundswell is still pumping, with the period hitting a massive 20 seconds in the morning – that’s very long and will wrap around real deep. Swell height is around 3ft to 3ft, but the energy jumps to 1219. The morning is the best bet again with a light offshore, even if it's listed as cross-on. That’s a standout window. Just watch out – that long period can make the sets a bit inconsistent and the waves might pitch a little dumpy on the beach, but the potential for a beauty is high.

Wednesday the 8th has the swell backing off a touch, but with an 18-second period in the morning, it's still got plenty of life. The wind remains a light cross-onshore. Nothing crazy, but enough to keep you out there.

We then hit a bit of a rough patch from Thursday the 9th through the 10th. The swell switches to the NW and drops to a short, weak 8-second period. The size jumps up to 8ft, which is strictly for the experienced crew, but with that wind and period, it's going to be a messy, wind-chopped, close-out mess. Honestly, that looks more like a kite-surfing session than something for a paddle surfer.

The entire second week, from the 11th through the 16th, is a tough slog. The swell period is stuck down at 7 to 8 seconds, the energy is low, and the cross-onshore wind never really gives up. Wave heights are in the 5ft to 7ft range, but with no period and bad wind, it's going to be a bumpy, unrideable mess. The data calls it "poor surf conditions" or "marginal" – that’s about right. There’s a near-week-long gap where you're better off staying dry.

Just when you think it's over, we get a real winner on Saturday, July 18th in the afternoon. The wind goes glassy – that's a game-changer. The swell direction shifts to the WNW with a solid 16-second period. The size is a more modest 3ft, but the energy reading is 907 – moderate but clean. That is your standout session. It won't be huge, but with glassy conditions and a clean groundswell, Chadbourne Gulch will be at its absolute best.

Sunday the 19th and Monday the 20th still have some life with a SW groundswell and 15 to 17-second periods, but the cross-onshore wind is back. The sizes stay small, around 2ft to 3ft, so it’s back to a more average day.

The forecast wraps up on July 21st with a mix of a clean morning and another spike of NW windswell in the afternoon – period is short at 7 seconds, but the height is 7ft. Again, a messy option for the experts only.

So, to sum it up: your two best bets are Tuesday morning, July 7th for that massive 20-second period groundswell, and Saturday afternoon, July 18th for the glassy, clean conditions. Everything else is bumpy or too junky to get excited about. Rusty out.

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