Playa Santa Catalina Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it. We’ve got a solid run of surf on the horizon, so let’s talk about what’s cooking.

The overall pattern is a slow and steady build, starting with small, clean waves and building into a much more substantial swell by the end of the month and into the first week of August. The water is sitting at a balmy 86°F, which is a notable 4°F warmer than usual for this time of year – that’s a real treat for the skin.

Playa Santa Catalina (point) is the spot. We’re looking at a very consistent, top-to-bottom point break that takes a SSW swell. It’s an advanced wave, but it’s going to be worth it.

Monday, July 20th kicks us off with a modest 3 ft SSW swell, but the wind is a light cross-off from the NNE. The wave energy is a bit weak (280), but the conditions are clean. It’s a gentle start to the run.

Tuesday, July 21st sees the swell drop a touch to 2 ft, but the period is a nice 14 seconds. The morning is clean with a light cross-off, but the afternoon gets messy with onshore wind. That morning window is your best bet.

Wednesday, July 22nd through Thursday, July 23rd are small. The swell stays around 2 ft – 2 ft, with light winds in the mornings. The Thursday afternoon is a standout for a moment: 1 ft swell with a *massive* 26-second period and glassy conditions. The wave energy is moderate (278), but that long period groundswell will be lining up beautifully at this point.

Friday, July 24th is where things start to get interesting. The morning session has a 2 ft SSW swell with a 24-second period and a light cross-off. The wave energy jumps to moderate (576). The waves are going to have great shape, though the long period means the sets will be spaced out. This is a good one.

Saturday, July 25th continues the trend. The morning is clean with 2 ft SSW swell, a 21-second period, and 589 wave energy. The crowds are a known factor here, so getting an early paddle is the move.

Now, the real standouts. Sunday, July 26th morning is a beauty: 3 ft SSW swell, 19-second period, glassy conditions, and a strong wave energy of 598. This is the kind of morning you’ll be telling your mates about.

Monday, July 27th morning is another glassy gem. 3 ft SSW swell, 17-second period, and the wave energy is climbing to 742. The conditions are pristine.

Tuesday, July 28th is the first big jump. The swell pushes to 4 ft from the SSW, with a 16-second period and a strong 980 wave energy. The morning wind is a clean cross-off from the NE. This is a serious session, but at 4 ft, it’s right on the edge for beginners. The afternoon is a little compromised by a cross-on breeze.

Wednesday, July 29th morning holds that 4 ft swell with offshore wind from the N. The energy is still high at 785. Another solid day.

Thursday, July 30th morning is glassy with 4 ft swell and 14-second period. Wave energy is 530. Clean and fun.

Friday, July 31st morning is glassy again with 4 ft swell, but the period drops to 13 seconds. The energy is still strong at 476.

The best of the best looks like Monday, July 28th morning and Tuesday, August 4th.

Monday, August 4th is the big one. The morning has 4 ft SSW swell with a 14-second period and a very high 681 wave energy. The wind is a light cross-off. The afternoon is even better: 5 ft SSW swell, glassy conditions, and a massive 687 wave energy. That’s the session to circle on the calendar. The swell is getting up there, so it’s for the more experienced crew, but the potential is massive.

Tuesday, August 5th morning holds 4 ft with a clean cross-off and 681 wave energy. The afternoon is glassy with 5 ft and 687 energy. This is the peak of the run.

After that, the swell slowly backs off through the first week of August, but the quality remains good with clean conditions on offer.

So, to wrap it up: the first week is small and clean, a great warm-up. The real fireworks are from Monday, July 28th through Tuesday, August 4th. The absolute standout is Tuesday, August 4th with 5 ft glassy surf and strong energy. Get your ticket punched for that one.

Rusty.

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