Playa Santa Catalina Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up down at Playa Santa Catalina. We’ve got a solid 16-day window ahead, but it starts off a bit slow. The first real action to get excited about is on Saturday the 15th, so we’ve got a few days of smaller, trickier conditions to sit through before we get the goods.

The pattern is a persistent, long-period SSW groundswell. The period is often hanging around 14 to 18 seconds, which is proper groundswell energy. That long period means the waves will have some real push and shape, but it can also make them a bit harder to handle on a beach break. Being a point break, Playa Santa Catalina is a dream setup for this kind of swell, so we’re in luck.

Water temps are sitting at a balmy 86°F, so it’s a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. No need for a thick wetsuit, that’s for sure.

Alright, let's get into the day-by-day.

Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th are mostly a write-off. The swell is small, around 2 ft, and there’s onshore wind or cross-on conditions making things messy. Not worth paddling out for.

Thursday 13th morning is a little better. We’ve got a 3 ft SSW swell with a 14-second period, and a gentle offshore NNE breeze at 9 mph. The wind is clean, and the combined energy is moderate at 268 (the combined energy of all swells directed here). It’s surfable, but nothing to write home about.

Friday 14th morning is similar: 2 ft, 18-second period, light offshore NNE at 6 mph. Clean, but small. The afternoons keep getting wrecked by the sea breeze.

Saturday 15th – This is the standout. The morning is looking *very* good. The swell bumps up to 4 ft from the SSW with a 16-second period, and the wind is dead calm, glassy. That’s a rare treat. The combined energy is strong at 638 (the combined energy of all swells directed here). This is the best on offer in the whole run. The wave comment says “expect very good surf conditions,” and with that glassy surface and proper groundswell, it’s going to be lined up and clean. It’s a bit small for a full-on expert session, but for advanced surfers, this is the morning to be in the water. The afternoon gets a bit choppy again, so get out early.

Sunday 16th brings a bit of rain and cross-shore winds, so the quality drops off. The swell is still 3 ft, but it’s not as clean.

Monday 17th morning – Glassy again with a dead calm NE wind. The swell is only 2 ft from the SW with a 14-second period, and the energy is moderate at 293 (the combined energy of all swells directed here). It’s clean, but small. A good option for a longboard or a funboard.

Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th mornings – Clean conditions with light offshore and cross-off breezes, and a consistent 2-3 ft SSW swell. Solid, reliable, but not the standout.

Thursday 20th and Friday 21st mornings – The swell drops a little to 2 ft, but the wind is good. Friday 21st morning is flat calm and glassy. Worth a look if you’re desperate for a paddle.

Saturday 22nd morning – Another glassy morning with a 2 ft SSW swell. Clean, but small.

Sunday 23rd morning – A gentle cross-off breeze from NNE at 9 mph keeps things clean. Swell is 2 ft with a 13-second period.

Monday 24th – The swell drops right off to 1 ft. The morning is glassy, but it’s tiny. Not much to get excited about.

Tuesday 25th through Wednesday 26th – The swell picks back up to 2-2 ft. Wednesday 26th morning is looking good with a light offshore NNE breeze and a 2 ft, 15-second SSW swell. Clean, surfable.

So, the clear winner is Saturday 15th morning. Get that date in your head. It’s the only session where the swell, wind, and conditions all line up perfectly for a proper glassy groundswell session. The rest of the week is a mix of clean mornings and blown-out afternoons, but that Saturday is the one.

Signing off,
Rusty

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