South Del Mar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s break down what South Del Mar’s got in store for us over the next couple of weeks.

I’ll be honest, the start is a bit of a flat spell. Monday the 13th kicks off with a weak, messy 2ft south swell, and the water’s a warm 72°, which is way warmer than usual for this time of year. But the surf conditions are straight-up poor. That onshore west wind is choppin’ it up, and the combined energy is only moderate at 402. You’re better off stayin’ on the beach for the first week.

From Tuesday the 14th through Sunday the 19th, we’re stuck in a stretch of poor to barely marginal conditions. Swell stays small – mostly 2ft to 3ft – with onshore or cross-onshore breezes messin’ with the surface. Wednesday afternoon the 15th and Saturday afternoon the 18th show a tiny bump in energy (309 and 592), but with those tiny waves and light onshore flow, it’s more of a lazy paddle than anything to get excited about.

Come Monday the 20th through Wednesday the 22nd, we’re still in the “meh” zone. Swell creeps up to 3ft, and the combined energy builds to 932 by Wednesday afternoon, but the wind stays light and onshore or cross-onshore. The quality’s just not there yet. Patience, my friend.

Now, here’s the payoff – Thursday the 23rd of July. A proper southwest groundswell shows up at 6ft–7ft with a 14-second period, which is that long-period magic that brings real punch. Combined energy hits 1393 in the morning and 1622 in the afternoon – that’s strong wave energy. Wind is a light breeze from the west-northwest, comin’ onshore but light enough that the surface should be pretty clean. This is the standout session of the whole run. Morning of Thursday the 23rd is your best window: 6ft south swell, long period, light wind. At 7ft, this is expert territory on the reef, and crowds are often here, so expect some company.

Friday the 24th stays solid with 5ft swell, but cross-onshore wind takes the edge off the cleanliness. Still plenty of energy (1149–1259) for anyone who can handle a little chop. Saturday the 25th drops to 5ft–5ft, still long-period (12 seconds), but with onshore flow again.

After that, the swell fades through Sunday the 26th to Tuesday the 28th, droppin’ to 2ft–3ft with cross-onshore winds and moderate energy (509–800). It’s back to those marginal days where you’re better off savin’ your energy.

So here’s the takeaway: if you can wait, Thursday the 23rd of July is the one. That morning, with a solid 6ft southwest groundswell (14-second period) and light onshore wind, is your best shot at some real juice. It’s not glassy, but it’s the biggest, most powerful swell of the whole forecast. Show up early, know your limits, and expect a lineup.

– Rusty

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