Moss Landing Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s happening at Moss Landing. Gotta be honest with you, it’s a rough stretch ahead. We’re looking at a long patch of poor conditions that runs right through the end of July and into the first few days of August. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there, but the surf just isn’t playing ball.

For the first week, from July 20th through the 27th, it’s a total washout. The cross-on wind is a constant pain, and the swell is tiny and weak. The combined wave energy is mostly in the low double digits, barely cracking 200 at its best. You’re looking at little 1ft to 2ft slop with a short, weak period. Not worth paddling out for.

There’s a slight glimmer of hope starting around July 28th. The swell picks up a bit, with heights hitting 5ft to 7ft by the 29th, and the energy starts to build into the moderate range (346 to 721). But here’s the catch – that cross-on breeze is still there, so the surf will be messy and choppy. It’s borderline at best, and only for the more experienced crew. On July 28th, the morning shows 5ft from the WNW with a 9-second period, but that wind is just light enough to keep it from being total junk. It’s a maybe, not a go.

The standout, if you can call it that, is the afternoon of July 29th. Swell bumps up to 7ft from the WNW, with solid energy (721). But that’s expert territory – 7ft is big, and with the wind staying cross-on, it’s going to be a battle. If you’re a seasoned charger and you like a challenge, that’s your window. Just know it’s not going to be clean.

After that, the swell backs off into the first week of August, with heights dropping back under 5ft and the energy fading. The breeze stays light, but it’s still cross-on, so the quality never really locks in. Moss Landing is a fairly exposed spot, so it catches what’s out there, but without a proper offshore wind, it’s a tough sell.

Honestly, if you’re desperate for a wave, the morning of July 28th is the best of a bad bunch. 5ft, moderate energy, and a light breeze. It’s not *good*, but it’s the least bad. For the rest of the run, I’d save your energy and wait for a better forecast. This blank run is a bit of a bummer, but it’s not unheard of for this area.

Rusty, signing off.

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