Playa Santa Catalina Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at what's coming down the pipe for Playa Santa Catalina. We've got a solid 16-day window ahead, and while there's a bit of a slow start, this spot is set to deliver some real magic.

The overall pattern sees a steady supply of SSW groundswell, coming in with some seriously long periods that'll put some proper shape in the water. It's a point break that loves this direction, so when the wind plays nice, which it often does in the mornings, you're in for a treat. The water is currently sitting at a toasty 86°F, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year, so you can leave the thick wetsuit at home.

First up, we kick off on Friday the 3rd of July, but it's a write-off with onshore winds and rain making a mess of things. Don't even bother. The real start is Saturday the 4th. The morning is a bit average with a light cross-onshore breeze messing up the 3ft swell, but the afternoon is where it turns. A northerly offshore wind of 10 km/h comes in, cleaning up that 3ft SSW swell (15-second period) into something rideable. It's a small start, but clean.

The next few days are a classic morning session pattern. Sunday the 5th and Monday the 6th both see light offshore or glassy conditions in the morning with chest-high swell. On Monday afternoon, things get interesting: the wind goes glassy, and the swell period jumps to a very long 20 seconds, with moderate wave energy (997). It'll be clean, but with that period, the sets will be lined up and powerful for the size – a dream for a point break.

Now, let's talk standouts. Tuesday the 7th of July is a day to circle on the calendar. The morning is firing: clear skies, a light offshore breeze from the NNE at 10 km/h, and a strong 4ft SSW groundswell with an 18-second period. The combined swell energy is a meaty 1160 (strong), and this is being called "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers." This isn't for the groms; that long-period energy will be pushing hard, but for any competent surfer on a point break, this is as good as it gets. The afternoon gets blown out by a cross-onshore, so be on it early.

Then, keep an eye on Saturday the 18th of July, a full two weeks out. This is a long-range promise that looks beautiful. Forecast shows a glassy morning with a north wind at just 5 km/h, and a clean 4ft SSW swell. Swell energy is back up to 1115 (strong), making it another "excellent" call. It's the second standout of the window, but remember, it's two weeks out so treat it as an exciting target, not a locked-in guarantee. The afternoon also has a small 5ft swell with light cross-onshore winds that might clean up, but the morning is the clear winner here.

For the rest of the second week, from the 8th through the 17th, we see a consistent run of 3ft to 4ft SSW swells. Most mornings offer clean conditions with light offshore or glassy winds, but the energy drops to moderate levels. There are a few mid-week ripples, like Wednesday the 15th, with a clean 4ft swell that's worth a look. But after that Tuesday the 7th and the distant Saturday the 18th, everything else is just solid, fun background surf. Keep in mind the crowds at this break can be there *sometimes*, so on those standout mornings, get there early.

Stay stoked.
Rusty

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