Point Arena Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk Point Arena. It’s a reef break that sees plenty of NW swell, but this run we’re looking at is going to feel like a slow burn for a while.

The water’s running colder than usual for July, about 11° – that’s a couple degrees off, so you’ll be reaching for a thicker suit.

We start Wednesday the 8th with a 2.1m NW swell, but the NNW wind is ripping at 35 km/h. That’s a cross-offshore wind, keeps things clean on the face, but it’s a poor session – the period is short (7 seconds) and the combined energy is only 371, so not much push. Thursday the 9th bumps up to 3.0m NW with energy hitting 1003 (moderate), but the wind is still a solid 35 km/h – lumpy, hard work, only for the die-hards.

Friday the 10th through Sunday the 12th, the swell stays between 2.0m and 2.5m, but winds keep blowing 25-35 km/h from the NNW and NW. A few windows show as “marginal,” maybe a tide trick, but mostly it’s poor. Energy is in the mid hundreds, period stuck at 7-8 seconds.

By the second week, Monday the 14th drops to 1.6m and still windy – nothing to write home about.

The standout window hits Friday the 17th. That morning, the wind switches to light onshore from the SW at only 10 km/h – glassy and clean. Swell is a solid 2.5m from the NW at 9 seconds, energy at 1664 – proper groundswell. Afternoon stays strong at 2.5m with 1512 energy and light cross-shore winds. This is the pick of the week. The waves will be big for intermediates and up, but with size over 2.5m, it’s expert territory. Crowds are often there, so expect company.

Saturday the 18th morning offers something special: 1.0m at 17 seconds from the WNW, energy 1217 – that’s long-period glass. Light cross-shore winds, clean. For a reef, that period can draw in some beautiful lines, but it can also make beach breaks close out. This is point-and-reef territory, so it could be a gem.

Sunday the 19th morning is decent: 2.1m NW, 8 seconds, light cross breeze, energy 1153 – it’s okay.

Monday the 20th morning: 2.5m NW, 9 seconds, light cross wind, energy 1129 – again solid but not a top standout.

From Tuesday the 21st onward, the swell backs off and wind turns more cross-onshore, so it trails off.

For the best wave, Friday the 17th morning is it – clean light winds, solid 2.5m NW groundswell, and the reef should handle it well. If you want something spooky and glassy, Saturday the 18th morning is the wildcard.

Rusty.

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