
Surf Forecasts:
Indicators surf forecast from 17 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 17 Jul, 11PM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 7s period, NW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 21 Jul, 5PM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 12s period, SSW swell with 738 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Friday 17 Jul, 11PM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 7s period with NW 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 Friday (Jul 17) at 11PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.5m and 7s period with a secondary swell of 1.1m and 7s. Another secondary swell of 0.6m and 16s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Indicators in the next 16 days are 1.6m 12s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Jul 21) at 5PM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.1m 13s period and expected on Tuesday (Jul 21) at 8AM.
| Wave Type | Time (PDT) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 11PM (Fri 17th Jul) | 5ft (1.5m) 7s |
| Best Surf | 11PM (Fri 17th Jul) | 5ft (1.5m) 7s |
| Most Powerful | 5PM (Tue 21st Jul) | 5ft (1.6m) 12s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Indicators over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Mate, Rusty here again, lookin’ at the same stretch but in feet and Fahrenheit for ya.
We’re in for a quiet start, nothin’ worth paddlin’ for until late July. That’s about ten days of flat or poor conditions, so sit tight.
The first real chance shows up on Monday, July 27th. The morning pushes in a 4ft SSW swell with an 18-second period, a real groundswell, and the energy’s strong at 1491. By the afternoon it bumps to 5ft from the same direction, 19-second period, and energy cranks to 2073. Winds are light offshore from the WSW at 6 mph, so it’ll be glassy. That’s the standout for strong surfers – that size is fine for experienced crews, and the long period gives the waves some proper shape. The break is a point, sheltered, and while the optimum direction is WNW, the SSW is a bit off, but the swell quality makes up for it.
Tuesday the 28th sees the swell back to 4ft from the SSW, period still around 17 seconds, energy at 1548 and 1460. Winds stay light offshore – clean, but a step down from Monday.
Wednesday the 29th drops to 4ft SSW, 16-second period, energy around 1128 to 1247. Still light offshore winds, so it’s alright.
Then on Thursday, July 30th, the swell shifts to NW, 7ft, but the period tanks to 9 seconds – short-period wind swell, with cross-onshore winds. Energy is high at 1835, but the waves will be choppy and messy. That’s more for kite surfing than paddling.
The start of August keeps that same kind of junk: 5ft to 6ft, short period, cross-onshore. Not worth the drive.
Water temp at Indicators is 61°F, which is 4°F warmer than average – that’s pretty unusual, so you’ll be comfortable in a shorty.
Best bet is Monday the 27th, especially the afternoon. Tuesday’s also solid, but Monday’s got the juice. After that, it’s a write-off.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 21°C on Fri afternoon, min 12°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 25°C on Tue afternoon, min 14°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Friday 17 | Saturday 18 | Sunday 19 | Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | |||||||||||||||
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 8 | WNW 8 | NW 7 | SW 17 | WNW 16 | W 16 | SW 17 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SSW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 12 | SSW 10 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 26 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
237 | 215 | 193 | 309 | 263 | 177 | 284 | 439 | 268 | 318 | 255 | 377 | 277 | 738 | 346 | 339 | 307 | 293 | 229 | 210 | 263 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | on | glassy | on | on | glassy | on | on | glassy | on | on | glassy | cross-on | on | on | cross-on | cross-on | glassy | on | cross-on | glassy |
High Tide | 2:25PM1.45m | 1:22AM1.49m | 3:02PM1.49m | 2:20AM1.26m | 3:39PM1.52m | 3:30AM1.06m | 4:16PM1.55m | 5:12AM0.93m | 4:56PM1.57m | 7:41AM0.94m | 5:38PM1.58m | 9:21AM1.06m | 6:24PM1.60m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 7:39PM0.64m | 7:55AM-0.06m | 8:46PM0.56m | 8:35AM0.17m | 9:59PM0.48m | 9:18AM0.41m | 11:12PM0.39m | 10:07AM0.63m | 00:22AM0.28m | 11:10AM0.83m | 1:23AM0.18m | 12:22PM0.96m | 2:15AM0.09m | ||||||||
6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:03 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | 6:05 | — | — | |
— | 8:25 | — | — | 8:24 | — | — | 8:24 | — | — | 8:23 | — | — | 8:23 | — | — | 8:22 | — | — | 8:22 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 17 | 21 | 17 | 17 | 21 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 16 | 17 | 22 | 19 | 24 | 25 | 22 | 17 | 19 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 20 |
Feels °C | 16 | 20 | 16 | 16 | 20 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 16 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 17 | 20 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 20 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 17 | W 17 | WNW 7 | WNW 7 | WNW 16 | WNW 7 | WNW 8 | SW 17 | NW 8 | S 12 | S 12 | S 13 | S 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 10 | SSW 9 | SSW 8 | SSW 7 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 |
151 | 215 | 99 | 72 | 263 | 56 | 66 | 439 | 74 | 187 | 306 | 260 | 221 | 738 | 346 | 249 | 176 | 111 | 229 | 210 | 154 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 19 | SW 14 | W 16 | SW 17 | SSW 18 | W 16 | SW 17 | W 15 | SW 16 | SSW 16 | SW 16 | SSW 16 | SSW 14 | NW 8 | SSW 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SW 6 | WSW 6 | S 14 |
145 | 74 | 190 | 309 | 211 | 177 | 284 | 163 | 268 | 318 | 255 | 377 | 277 | 24 | 252 | 339 | 307 | 293 | 39 | 20 | 132 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 14 | SW 18 | SW 15 | W 16 | SW 13 | SW 16 | W 15 | S 14 | S 13 | WNW 9 | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | SSW 16 | WNW 13 | NW 9 | NW 8 | WNW 12 | NW 12 | SSE 16 | S 14 | SSW 26 |
74 | 84 | 104 | 186 | 44 | 66 | 172 | 37 | 168 | 65 | 62 | 46 | 153 | 34 | 19 | 10 | 29 | 35 | 81 | 107 | 263 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WNW 8 | WNW 8 | NW 7 | — | WNW 7 | NW 7 | — | WNW 8 | — | — | — | — | — | — | S 4 | — | — | — | — | NW 4 | WNW 5 |
237 | 215 | 193 | — | 84 | 112 | — | 108 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | 21 | 39 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 150 | 0 | 121 | 4 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Santa Cruz | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
- Map Icons:
Break
Live Wave Height (m)
Live Wind Speed (km/h)
Surf Rating (10 Max)
Ocean Swells (m)
Wind Speed (km/h)
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.










