Seaside Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at what we’ve got coming up for Seaside Reef. Let's be straight with each other – it's a pretty grim stretch ahead, so don't go getting your hopes up too high. The whole 16-day window is looking more like a lake than an ocean for quality surf, but there are a few windows where it *might* be worth a paddle if you're desperate.

Right off the bat, things are quiet. From Thursday, July 2nd, right through to the end of the first week, we're stuck in a rut of onshore wind from the west, gusting 6 to 9 mph. The swell is hanging around a tiny 2 ft to 3 ft from the SSW, but with those strong onshore winds, the surface is going to be messy. Even with a decent period of 16 to 18 seconds, the wave energy is moderate (values between 430 and 530), but the wind just kills it. The ocean is calling it "poor surf conditions" – and I can't argue. The beginning of this period is just a write-off.

Now, let’s talk about the water temp for the first day I’ll even mention a surfable wave. On Thursday morning, July 2nd, the water is sitting at 68°. The anomaly reads 3° warmer than average, which is a touch warmer than normal for the time of year. You’ll be comfortable in a spring suit.

Moving into the second week, things don't get much better. The wind finally shifts a bit, but it's a case of "out of the frying pan, into the fire." From Monday, July 6th, we start seeing some West-Southwest breezes, but they are cross-onshore, bringing that "gentle cross-onshore and fairly choppy" look. The swell holds around 3 ft from the SSW, and the combined energy climbs into the moderate-to-strong range (500 to 854) – that's more water moving. The period drops to between 14 and 16 seconds, which is still okay for a reef setup, but the dirty wind direction means it's a messy link at best.

We do get a brief stand out, and it's the best on offer, but it’s nothing to write home about. On Wednesday, July 8th, afternoon, the wind slackens to a light 6 mph from the WSW, becoming just a "light cross-onshore with small wind ripples." The swell is 4 ft at 16 seconds from the SSW, and the energy is strong (722). For Seaside Reef, this is the cleanest the wind will be for days. The 4 ft swell is small to medium, and not too big for anyone. But keep in mind, this spot is an *inconsistent* reef break and is *often* crowded, so don't expect an empty lineup. That light wind will mean it’s actually rideable.

After that little window, from Thursday, July 9th, right through to the end of the forecast on July 17th, it’s back to onshore or cross-onshore wind and a steady decline in swell. By the time we hit the second weekend, the swell drops right off to a tiny 1 ft to 2 ft. The energy plummets to weak (170 to 300). It’s just too small and too messy. There’s even a mention of rain showers on Friday, July 17th.

The bottom line: If you can wait for a light wind window, Wednesday afternoon, July 8th, is your only real shot at a few clean lines at Seaside. For the rest of it? The setup with the steady onshore wind and small swell looks way more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing. Otherwise, hang tight and hope the long-range forecasts improve, because this blank run is pretty normal for the area when the wind doesn't cooperate.

Rusty.

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