Dana Point Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s coming for Dana Point.

The first ten days or so are a real bummer. From Sunday the 12th right through to around Sunday the 26th, it’s mostly small, weak, and choppy. The water is sitting at 68°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you won’t be freezing. The combined energy is mostly weak to moderate (values between 190 and 400), and the wind is often onshore or cross-onshore, keeping the surface messy.

The first real flicker of hope is on Saturday the 18th. We get a pulse of S swell around 3ft, with a 16-second period, and the energy climbs to strong (1046). But the wind is onshore again, so it’s still marginal. By the afternoon, the swell bumps up to 5ft, but it’s cross-onshore and choppy. Not a standout.

Another possible window is Wednesday the 22nd. A S swell hits 5ft with a 15-second period, and a solid energy level (1317). The wind is light and cross-onshore, so you might snag a few workable ones, but it’s still marginal. Friday the 24th shows a similar S swell at 6ft, 13-second period, but the wind is cross-onshore again.

The real standout is Sunday the 26th. That afternoon, the wind goes glassy, which is huge. You’ll get a clean 2ft swell from the SSW, but with a very long 19-second period. That’s a proper groundswell. The combined energy is moderate (466), but the glassy conditions at Dana Point are rare, so this is the session to target. The long period means the waves will have shape and energy, but expect longer waits between sets.

Since the swell stays under 5ft, it’s still safe for beginners. The long period can make the waves break a bit straight on the beach, so be aware.

So, the first ten days are a wash. Circle Sunday the 26th for a glassy, clean session with long-period S swell. The water is a touch warmer than normal, so it’ll be a comfortable wait for the sets.

Rusty.

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