Croatan Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's take a look at what's on the table for Croatan over the next couple of weeks.

We've got a bit of a slow start, so don't bother paddling out just yet. The first week is pretty flat, with tiny, weak energy (23-55) and onshore or cross-on winds messing up any chance at a decent wave. Water temps are sitting at a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, about 80°, which is a nice bonus when we finally do get something rideable. The biggest problem is the swell just isn't there. From Monday the 6th right through to the 12th of July, it's a write-off—nothing but ankle-snappers with poor conditions. You'd be better off cleaning the wax off your board.

Things start to show a pulse the following week. On Monday morning the 13th, the combined energy climbs to a moderate 154, but the period is a short 6 seconds and the wind is cross-shore with chop, so it's still not worth getting wet.

Now, here’s the standout. The real action is looking at Tuesday morning the 14th of July. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. We’ve got a solid 6ft of northeast groundswell rolling in with a 9-second period, and the combined energy is a strong 594. The wind is swinging light cross-offshore from the WSW, practically glassy, which will clean things right up. This is a proper groundswell, so the waves will have some punch and shape. The only catch is the size—at 6ft, it’s pushing into intermediate territory and might be a bit much for beginners. Expect the beach at Croatan to be fairly consistent, but with a swell this size and that direction (NE matching the optimum ESE? Not quite, but close enough), it’ll be the best we’ve seen. The afternoon though, don't bother—the wind swings onshore from the SSE at 15 mph and blows it out completely with a wild 1009 energy reading.

After that peak, it drops back off. From the 15th through the 21st of July, we’re back to tiny, weak surf with poor to ordinary conditions. The energy drops into the weak two-digit range again, and the predominant cross-on or onshore breezes make sure it stays choppy and uninviting. There are a couple of clean windows on the 15th and 16th with offshore wind, but the swell is simply too small (2ft–2ft) to make it interesting.

So, bottom line: the first week is a total blank for surf, and the second week only offers one true standout on Tuesday morning, July 14th. Get on it early because the window is tight. From there, it's back to waiting.

Stay salty,
Rusty

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