
Surf Forecasts:
Indicators surf forecast from 3 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Saturday 8 Aug, 11PM (local time) - 6ft (1.9m), 9s period, NW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 9 Aug, 5AM (local time) - 7.5ft (2.3m), 9s period, NW swell with 863 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 3 Aug, 8PM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 10s period with WNW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Indicators this week:
The surf forecast for Indicators over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 03) at 8PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.2m and 10s period with a secondary swell of 0.4m and 16s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Indicators in the next 16 days are 2.3m 9s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 09) at 5AM. Winds are predicted to be glassy at the time the swell arrives.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8PM (Mon 3rd Aug) | 4ft (1.2m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 11PM (Sat 8th Aug) | 6ft (1.9m) 9s |
| Most Powerful | 5AM (Sun 9th Aug) | 7.5ft (2.3m) 9s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Indicators over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve gotta be straight with you – we’re in for a bit of a flat spell before anything worth paddling out for shows up. The first real action doesn’t kick in until Saturday, August 9th, and even then, it’s a mixed bag. Let’s break it down.
The only true standout in this whole 16-day window? That’s the morning of Sunday, August 10th, at Indicators, a sheltered point break that needs an optimum swell from the WNW. It’s a tricky spot, rated advanced, and while it’s fairly consistent, it’s got a pulse of solid energy. The water temp is sitting at 59°F, which is about 0.5°F warmer than normal for this time of year – nothing crazy, just a touch on the mild side.
On that Sunday morning, we’ve got a 7 ft swell from the NW with a period of 9 seconds, and the combined energy of all swells hitting the coast is a hefty 1416 – that’s strong wave energy, no doubt. That size is solid, pushing into expert territory with that 7 ft face. The wind is a light 3 mph from the SW, which is actually offshore for this spot, and that’s a huge plus – clean, glassy lines. The only downside? It’s likely to be crowded, as this spot often is. But for a short window, that’s the best we’ve got.
Leading up to that, the early part of August is a write-off. From Monday, August 3rd, all the way through to the morning of Saturday, August 8th, the surf is either marginal or outright poor. There’s a tiny 1 ft to 2 ft swell on the Wednesday and Thursday, but with short periods and cross-onshore winds, it’s not worth a second look. The energy values are weak (130 to 416), so you’re fighting for scraps.
After that Sunday morning peak, the swell drops back down. The afternoon of the 10th has 5 ft at 10 seconds, but the wind is still cross-onshore, and the energy drops to 557. Tuesday the 11th is similar, with 4 ft swell and light cross-onshore winds – still not clean, and the energy is moderate (404 to 477). It’s marginal at best, but a patient surfer might find a few.
Then we hit a dry patch from Wednesday, August 12th, through to Thursday, August 13th – tiny 2 ft to 2 ft swells, all from the SSW, with long periods (15 to 17 seconds). That’s a groundswell, but it’s too small and the winds are cross-onshore, so it’s poor.
Friday, August 14th, sees a slight uptick – 3 ft from the WNW in the morning, but still cross-onshore, and the energy is moderate at 454. The afternoon brings a 2 ft SSW swell with an 18-second period, energy at 553, but again, it’s marginal. Not a standout.
The last chance comes on Sunday, August 16th, in the afternoon. We’ve got 3 ft from the SSW with a 15-second period, and the wind is a dead calm 3 mph from the W – glassy. The combined energy is 513, which is moderate. The water temp is still around 59°F, but the anomaly is a bit different now. The winds are glassy, making for clean surfaces, but the swell is small and the period is long, so it’s better suited for a point or reef break. Indicators is the spot, but it’s not a big day. It’s a decent option if you’re desperate, but it’s not the main event.
To sum it up: the best bet is the morning of Sunday, August 10th, at Indicators – 7 ft NW swell, offshore winds, and strong energy. It’s a short window, but it’s the only real highlight. The rest of the period is a lot of waiting, with a few marginal days that might just be worth a paddle if you’re local. Stay patient, and keep an eye on the charts.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 21°C on Mon afternoon, min 13°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 24°C on Fri afternoon, min 13°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monday 3 | Tuesday 4 | Wednesday 5 | Thursday 6 | Friday 7 | Saturday 8 | Sunday 9 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | WNW 9 | WNW 9 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 18 | SSW 19 | SSW 19 | SSW 17 | SSW 18 | WNW 8 | NW 9 | NW 9 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
461 | 332 | 193 | 154 | 101 | 96 | 52 | 72 | 95 | 85 | 84 | 84 | 139 | 210 | 157 | 240 | 197 | 675 | 777 | 370 | 378 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | glassy | cross | cross-on | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | glassy | on | on | glassy | on | on | glassy | cross-on | on | glassy | on | on | glassy |
High Tide | 2:33PM1.52m | 2:28AM1.11m | 3:08PM1.60m | 3:51AM0.99m | 3:50PM1.68m | 5:58AM0.94m | 4:42PM1.75m | 8:27AM1.04m | 5:42PM1.81m | 9:30AM1.17m | 6:48PM1.87m | 10:10AM1.27m | 7:53PM1.92m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 8:37PM0.49m | 7:57AM0.45m | 9:45PM0.38m | 8:31AM0.66m | 11:01PM0.25m | 9:18AM0.85m | 00:16AM0.10m | 10:49AM1.00m | 1:23AM-0.06m | 12:33PM1.05m | 2:23AM-0.21m | 1:50PM1.01m | 3:15AM-0.32m | ||||||||
6:13 | — | — | 6:15 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | 6:16 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | 6:18 | — | — | |
— | 8:13 | — | — | 8:12 | — | — | 8:10 | — | — | 8:09 | — | — | 8:08 | — | — | 8:07 | — | — | 8:06 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 19 | 21 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 16 | 20 | 22 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 17 | 20 | 21 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 16 |
Feels °C | 18 | 20 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 15 | 19 | 21 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 16 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 10 | WNW 10 | WNW 9 | WNW 9 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | WNW 7 | WNW 9 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | SW 13 | WNW 8 | SSW 19 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | SSW 17 | WNW 9 | WNW 9 | WNW 10 | WNW 10 |
461 | 332 | 193 | 154 | 101 | 96 | 47 | 43 | 73 | 41 | 39 | 84 | 37 | 210 | 73 | 140 | 168 | 404 | 415 | 370 | 378 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 16 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | WNW 8 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SSW 17 | SSW 18 | SSW 12 | SSW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 |
67 | 42 | 37 | 61 | 36 | 35 | 52 | 72 | 95 | 85 | 84 | 27 | 84 | 82 | 157 | 240 | 56 | 291 | 196 | 169 | 167 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 12 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 11 | NW 10 | S 12 | SSW 20 | SSW 20 | SW 18 | SSW 19 | W 15 | SW 13 | SW 12 | WNW 11 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SW 21 | SSW 11 |
67 | 65 | 40 | 37 | 57 | 54 | 31 | 24 | 12 | 37 | 37 | 80 | 139 | 17 | 83 | 36 | 13 | 57 | 28 | 18 | 24 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | WNW 8 | — | — | WNW 8 | NW 9 | NW 9 | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 74 | — | — | 197 | 675 | 777 | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 79 | 145 | 0 | 37 | 37 | 0 | 79 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 345 | 0 | 0 | 323 | 0 | 104 | 1493 | 0 | 125 | 144 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Santa Cruz | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Indicators Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Indicators provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Indicators can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Indicators surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Indicators) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Indicators may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Indicators is 3 km (2 miles) from Santa Cruz. If you plan a vacation in Santa Cruz, look for hotels and other accommodation in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











