Montanita Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let’s talk about what’s coming up over the next couple of weeks.

The whole 16-day window is a bit of a flat spell, to be honest. There’s no real standout, no big pulse of energy to get fired up about. The swell is hanging around in the 2ft to 4ft range, and the quality is mostly marginal or poor. The wind is a constant fly in the ointment, often cross-on or onshore, which keeps things messy. The water temperature is 79°, which is a massive 7° warmer than usual for this time of year – that’s very unusual. You’ll be surfing in a bath.

The first few days of July are the best of a bad bunch. Sunday afternoon the 5th kicks it off with a 3ft SW swell running at a very long 16 seconds, giving it a clean, lined-up feel. The combined wave energy is moderate (608). The wind is light and onshore though, so it won’t be glassy, but it’s the best we’ll see. Montanita is a reef and point setup, so it can handle that long-period groundswell better than a beach break. However, it’s an advanced wave and the crowds are often there, so be ready for a lineup.

Monday the 6th and Tuesday the 7th are similar – small 3ft to 4ft SW swells, with 16 to 19 second periods. The combined energy builds to a moderate 814. But the wind is consistently cross-on from the SW, putting small ripples on the surface. It’s rideable, but you’ll be scratching for the clean ones. The scores are low, and the comments say “marginal surf forecast or questionable tide conditions,” so you’ll really need to pick your tide window.

After the 8th, things drop off. From Wednesday the 8th of July right through to the 20th, the swell sits between 2ft and 3ft, periods shorten to 11-16 seconds, and the combined energy drops to weak to moderate levels (between 154 and 499). The wind stays mostly cross-on or onshore, with the commentary frequently calling it “poor” or “gentle cross-onshore and fairly choppy.” There’s nothing to rush out for. The 11th of July morning has a brief window with the wind going light and onshore (0.3 mph), but the swell is only 3ft with a shorter 14-second period, and it’s still only a marginal call.

The second week is a real write-off. The 15th through the 20th is all 2ft to 3ft swell, with periods from 11 to 14 seconds, and the wind is nearly always a problem. Combined energy is weak to low-end moderate. You’d be better off waiting for the next system.

So, honestly, the best on offer is that first Sunday afternoon, the 5th of July. The only other day worth a mention is the 6th or 7th if you’re desperate for a paddle and can handle the cross-on bumps. But overall, it’s a long, quiet stretch. Good time to check your gear.

Rusty.

Read more