Playa Santa Catalina Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a solid run of surf shaping up at Playa Santa Catalina over the next 16 days. This strong south-southwest groundswell is packing moderate energy (548+) through the opening days, so the ocean’s got some proper push behind it. The water’s sitting at 86°F, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s a nice little bonus for a long session without a wetsuit. The wind is looking clean and offshore for most mornings, which is exactly what this exposed point needs.

Let’s start with Sunday 26 July morning. The swell is 3 ft from the SSW with a long 19-second period, giving you proper groundswell lines. The offshore NNE wind at 6 mph is keeping the surface glassy, and the moderate wave energy (548) means there’s enough weight in the sets to make the drop feel good without being a handful for experienced surfers. This is clean, lined-up point surf – and the standout of the whole window. Crowds are sometimes a thing here, so you might have company.

Monday 27 July morning is similar – 3 ft SSW, 17-second period, offshore N wind at 3 mph. Clean again, slightly less energy (658) but still plenty of glide. Perfect for a slow morning paddle.

Tuesday 28 July morning sees the swell bump up to 4 ft from the SSW, 18-second period, with a NE cross-offshore breeze at 6 mph. That extra size and strong energy (995) will push through the point with nice power – still within advanced reach, not too big for a confident surfer. The cross-off wind will keep the face open.

Wednesday 29 July morning holds at 4 ft SSW, 16-second period, NNE cross-offshore at 6 mph. Good energy (736), clean conditions. Another quality session.

Thursday 30 July morning drops back to 3 ft SSW, 14-second period, with a clean offshore N wind at 6 mph. Energy is down to 460, but it’s still fun, long-period lines.

Friday 31 July morning brings 3 ft SSW, 13-second period and NE glassy wind at 3 mph – absolutely clean, glassy surface with moderate energy (305). This is a sneaky good morning.

Saturday 1 August is the real glass-off: morning has 3 ft SSW with calm wind (0 mph) – dead flat water, like a lake. Afternoon stays glassy with a slight WSW breeze. Energy is 312 and 267 respectively. These conditions make the point look dreamy, but the swell is tapering.

From Sunday 2 August through Tuesday 5 August, the swell drops to 2–3 ft, period shortens to 11–13 seconds, and energy falls below 200. The wind is often glassy in the morning, but the surf is ordinary – small, weak, barely holding shape. This stretch is a four-day gap with no real recommendation.

Thursday 6 August morning brings a pulse back – 2 ft SSW, 15-second period, NNE cross-offshore at 6 mph, with moderate energy (279). Clean and promising, but small.

Friday 7 August morning is the best of the second week: 3 ft SSW, 13-second period, NNE offshore at 6 mph, and strong energy (552) for that size. Very good conditions again. Afternoon turns onshore and choppy.

Saturday 8 August morning holds 3 ft SSW, 16-second period, offshore NNE wind at 6 mph, energy at 445. Clean, long-period lines.

Sunday 9 August morning offers 3 ft SSW, 14-second period with N offshore wind at 6 mph – solid moderate energy (498). Good quality.

Monday 10 August morning wraps it up with 3 ft SSW, 13-second period, NNE cross-offshore at 6 mph, energy 286 – clean but fading.

The real standout is Sunday 26 July morning – that first session sets the bar high. The only other true standout in the second week is Friday 7 August morning, but it’s less certain being further out. For the rest, it’s fun but not firing.

Rusty.

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