Playa Santa Catalina Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s cooking at Playa Santa Catalina. This is a solid point break that’s exposed to the south-southwest, and it’s very consistent, so we’ve got something to look at almost every day. The water is sitting at 86°F, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you can leave the thick wetsuit at home.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start. Thursday the 6th is a write-off with cross-on wind and poor surf, but hold tight. Friday morning the 7th sees a clean little 2ft south-southwest swell rolling in with a nice cross-off breeze, and the wave energy is already building. The real action kicks off Friday afternoon though – the swell bumps up to 2ft, but the period jumps to 17 seconds, giving that groundswell some serious push. The combined energy is a solid 447 (moderate), and with clean conditions, it’s a great time to be out.

Saturday the 8th morning is the standout of the first week. You’ve got a 3ft south-southwest swell with a 16-second period, light offshore wind from the north-northeast, and the wave energy is a strong 516 (moderate). This is about as good as it gets for a clean, lined-up point break. The wind is perfect, the swell is tidy, and the crowd factor is only “sometimes,” so you’ve got a real chance at some long, peeling ones.

Sunday the 9th through Tuesday the 11th keep the consistency going with clean morning sessions and waist-high surf, but the afternoons get messy with onshore wind. Wednesday the 12th morning is a gem – glassy conditions with a 2ft, 16-second south-southwest swell and 416 energy. That’s a sneaky good session.

Looking further out, the best window is Saturday the 15th. The morning brings a 4ft south-southwest swell with a 16-second period, a light offshore wind from the north, and the combined energy hits 638 (moderate). That’s the biggest swell of the whole forecast, and with offshore wind, this point will be firing. The afternoon goes glassy with a 3ft south-southwest swell, but the morning is the clear winner. Just keep in mind that the swell is over 3ft, so it’s getting a bit more push – still fine for most, but beginners might find it a little challenging.

The last week from the 16th to the 21st keeps the pattern of clean morning windows and blowy afternoons. There’s no single massive swell, but the consistency is there. The morning of the 21st is another glassy call with a 3ft south-southwest swell and 377 energy, a nice way to close out the run.

If you’re picking one session, make it Saturday the 8th morning for the offshore perfection, or Saturday the 15th morning for the biggest, strongest swell. Both are top shelf.

Rusty

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