Emma Wood State Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you – this outlook is a tough one. We’re looking at Emma Wood State Beach, and for the better part of the next two weeks, there just isn’t anything worth paddling out for. The first ten days or so are a total write-off, with poor surf conditions day after day. It’s not until the very end of the window, towards the end of July and into the first of August, that we start to see a glimmer of possibility, but even then it’s marginal.

We kick off on Sunday, the 19th of July, with a tiny 2 ft SW swell swinging in with a very long period of 17 seconds. The energy is moderate (211), but the wind is already messing it up. It’s a frustrating start. This pattern just drags on through the week. Small swells, poor conditions, and onshore or cross-onshore breezes. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing to write home about. The swell energy builds a little later in the week – you’ll see it hit 383 on the 26th, and even 413 on the 27th – but the wave quality is still terrible. The wind is often light, but even that light breeze is coming from the wrong direction, putting a chop on the surface.

Finally, it’s around Tuesday, the 28th of July, that we start to see a change. The energy is solid (418), and the wind is light and offshore in the morning. The swell is a clean 2 ft from the SW with a 17-second period. The report calls it “marginal,” but it’s the first real chance we’ve had. This improves into the next day, Wednesday the 29th, with a similar setup. Light offshore winds, a 3 ft SSW swell, and a solid 16-second period. The energy is pumping (410). This is the best window on offer.

The standout looks to be on Thursday, the 30th of July. The morning session is looking clean with light offshore winds, a 3 ft S swell, and a 15-second period. The combined energy is strong (470). The afternoon sees a slight bump to 3 ft and the energy jumps to 543. It’s still labeled “marginal,” but with those conditions, it’s the best we’re going to get. Friday the 31st has the biggest swell of the period at 4 ft from the south, with a 15-second period. The energy is high (754 in the morning, 785 in the afternoon), but the wind turns cross-onshore in the afternoon, so the morning is the time to go. This is a bit small for a beach break with that long period, so it might be a little straight, but it’s the most juice we’ve seen.

After that, it drops off again quickly. The first of August sees a 4 ft S swell, but only 13 seconds of period, and the wind is cross-onshore. By Sunday the 2nd, we’re back to tiny, weak waves.

So, the honest truth? If you’re desperate, the morning of Thursday the 30th of July is your best bet. Light offshore, a solid 3 ft S swell, and strong energy. It’s not a classic, but it’s as good as it’s going to get. The rest of the time, leave the board in the car.

Rusty.

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