Royal Palms State Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s happening at Royal Palms State Beach.

First up, the water is running *much warmer than normal* for this time of year, about 4° above average – that’s a big deal. This spot is a sheltered reef and point, and it’s inconsistent, so you’ll need to be patient. The outlook for the next 16 days is a bit of a bummer, with a long stretch of poor surf quality.

On Tuesday the 28th of July, we’ve got a south-southwest swell running at 3 ft with a very long period of 17 seconds. The wind is light and offshore from the WSW, which is a major positive for clean conditions. The combined energy of all swells directed here is moderate at 580 – so there’s some push. But the wave comment is poor surf conditions. The swell is coming from the SSW, which is close to the optimum SW direction, but the quality just isn’t there. It’s a beginner spot, and the long period (over 15 seconds) can make it break a bit straight on a point, but the light offshore wind could still offer a few clean little lines if you’re keen.

Wednesday the 29th is similar: 3 ft to 3 ft SSW swell, still with a very long period around 16 seconds. The morning sees a gentle cross-shore wind from the SSE, which will put a slight cross-chop on the surface. It’s marginal. The afternoon picks up a light offshore again from the WSW, but the wave comment is still poor. The combined energy is moderate (518 to 583). It’s not a total washout, but it’s not a standout.

From Thursday the 30th of July right through to Monday the 10th of August, the surf drops significantly. Swell heights are around 1 ft to 3 ft, with periods dropping from 16 seconds down to 13 seconds. The wind is mostly cross-onshore from the S, SSE, or WSW, creating choppy, rippled conditions. The combined energy falls from low-moderate levels (around 339) to weak (87). The wave comments are consistently poor surf conditions. The 31st of July and 1st of August have a moderate breeze from the W that will make it choppy. This is a real lull, with no surf worth paddling out for.

After the first week, the swells try to lift a little, but it’s still tough. On Friday the 7th of August, a morning swell of 1 ft from the SW has a very long period of 19 seconds, with a gentle cross-shore wind from the SSE. The combined energy climbs to 153 – still weak. It’s a tease, but the wave call is still poor. The following days, the 8th and 9th of August, see an increase to 2 ft and 2 ft from the SSW, with periods around 16 seconds. The wind is cross-onshore or offshore, but the energy is moderate (194 to 215). The wave comment remains poor. The period is very long, which can be a bit tricky for a beach setup, but on a point like this, it might offer a few longer, straighter rides if the wind holds.

The last few days, from the 10th to the 12th of August, we see a final push. On the 11th, Tuesday afternoon, a 2 ft SW swell with a very long period of 18 seconds pushes the combined energy to 223, with a gentle offshore wind from the WSW. The 12th is similar, with 2 ft SW swell, 17-second period, and energy at 281. Still, the wave comment is poor surf conditions. It’s looking like the best of a bad lot, but it’s not a classic.

The standout – if you can call it that – is the Tuesday the 28th of July and Wednesday the 29th of July. The combination of a very long period groundswell, light offshore winds, and moderate energy (580) is the best we’ve got. The wind is clean, and the swell size is manageable for beginners. The caveat is the very long period, which might make the waves break a little too straight on the point, but it’s the closest we get to a session. After that, the next 10 days are a write-off with barely a ripple worth mentioning.

The second week holds a glimmer on the 7th, 8th, and 11th of August, with a very long period swell and lighter winds, but the quality is still poor. It’s a gamble, but far from certain.

For now, if you’re desperate, get out on the 28th or 29th. Otherwise, the surf forecast is a long, quiet stretch.

Rusty.

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