Refugio State Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, giving you the rundown for Refugio State Beach.

This whole 16-day outlook is a bit of a waiting game. We’ve got a steady South and South-Southwest swell, but it’s going to be a patience test. The water is a warm 66°F, which is 4°F warmer than usual, so you might be fine in a shorty.

Starting Saturday, July 18th, it’s tiny. Swell is 2ft from the Southwest, with a super long 18-second period. That’s a real groundswell, but it’s barely showing. The energy is moderate (516), and the wind is a light onshore breeze, so it’s a little bumpy. More of a paddle than a surf.

Sunday the 19th is a little better, with a 3ft swell from the SW, period dropping to 17 seconds. The energy is up a bit (625). Light wind again.

Monday the 20th is a tease. Morning has 3ft from the South, but the period drops to 12 seconds, which is a shorter-period wind swell. The wind is light, but the afternoon gets ugly with a 12 mph cross-shore from the WNW, chopping it up.

The middle of the week, from Tuesday the 21st to Thursday the 23rd, is rough. Swell is 3ft to 4ft, but the wind is a consistent, moderate cross-shore from the WNW, making a mess. The energy is moderate, but you’re fighting a chop. It’s kite-surfing territory.

Now, Friday the 24th is interesting. The swell is only 2ft from the SW, but the period jumps to a massive 24 seconds. That’s a very long-period groundswell. The energy is high (906). The wind is a light cross-on, so it’s a little textured, but that long period might make it a bit straight for the beach.

The next weekend, Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th, is more of the same. Swell is 2ft to 3ft from the SW. The energy is strong (1063 on Saturday morning). Light onshore winds.

The real standout is Tuesday, July 28th. The morning is best. Swell is 4ft from the Southwest, with a 17-second period. The energy is very strong (1394). The wind is light and from the South, blowing onshore, but it’s unknown – it could glass off. If it does, Refugio will have some fun, punchy lines. The afternoon is similar.

Wednesday the 29th is also decent. Swell is 4ft from the SSW, with a 16-second period. The energy is still strong (1054). The afternoon goes glassy.

The last real highlight is Thursday, July 30th. The afternoon is the best. Swell is 3ft from the SSW, with a 15-second period, and the wind goes glassy. The energy is moderate (457). That’s clean, small, and fun.

The final weekend, August 1st and 2nd, fades. Saturday morning has 5ft, but the wind turns cross-shore, and by Sunday, the swell drops to 2ft and the wind is a blustery 12 mph cross-off from the NW. The energy is weak (178). It’s a washout.

So, if you’re after the best, aim for Tuesday, July 28th (morning) and Thursday, July 30th (afternoon). The first week is a grind, but the second week has more promise. Crowds are possible here, so plan accordingly.

Rusty.

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