Rancho Santini Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

We’re looking at a solid run of small to moderate swell coming through at Rancho Santini, but the wind is gonna be the main character for a lot of this. The water’s sitting at 70° right now, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – feels pretty good.

First up, Friday the 17th. We’ve got tiny waves, only 2 ft from the SW, but with a very long period of 19 seconds. That’s proper groundswell energy. The combined energy is moderate (429). The wind is a light cross-shore from the south, so it’s a bit bumpy, but for a beginner-friendly spot, it’s rideable. Friday afternoon stays similar with 2 ft and a bit less period (14s), still cross-shore wind.

Saturday the 18th is a no-go. 3 ft swell but the wind swings cross-onshore, making it choppy and messy. Combined energy is moderate (563) but the quality is poor.

Now, hold tight for Sunday the 19th. This is the standout. The swell jumps to 4 ft in the morning and 4 ft in the afternoon from the south, with a period of 12 seconds. The combined energy is strong (953 and 1024). Best of all, the wind goes straight offshore from the west, light at 10 km/h. That’s clean, glassy conditions. This is the best session on offer. It’s still small enough for beginners, and the clean conditions will make it fun for everyone.

Monday the 20th keeps the offshore wind, 4 ft morning, building to 6 ft in the afternoon from the SSW (13s period). The energy is strong (990 and 1162). That 6 ft is getting a bit punchy for learners, but for the experienced crew, it’s a good, clean session.

Tuesday the 21st sees the wind turn cross-onshore again, ruining the quality. Swell is 3 ft from the SW with a long period of 15 seconds, but the chop is a problem. Not worth it.

From Wednesday the 22nd through to the end of July, the pattern is a mix of cross-onshore winds and poor surf quality. The swell hangs around 3 ft to 4 ft from the SSW or SW, with periods mostly 12 to 14 seconds. The wind is consistently from the NW or WNW, usually 15 to 30 km/h, making it choppy or lumpy. The combined energy fluctuates, with some moderate readings (441, 536) and a couple of stronger ones (936, 959) on the 23rd, but the wind kills it.

A bit of hope on Saturday the 25th of July – morning has 5 ft from the SSW (13s) with offshore wind from the west at 15 km/h. Afternoon drops to 3 ft but with a very long 20s period from the SW, and still offshore wind. The energy is strong (1248 and 1219). That morning session is probably the second-best call, but it’s still marginal.

Into the first week of August, the wind stays mostly cross-onshore or onshore, and the swell drops off. 3 ft to 3 ft from the SSW with short periods (12-13s). The energy is weak to moderate (325-381). It looks like a lot of poor surf conditions.

So, bottom line: Sunday the 19th is the clear winner. Get out there early for the cleanest, glassy waves. Monday the 20th is a solid backup for the more experienced. After that, it’s a waiting game for the wind to play nice.

Rusty.

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