Stela Maris Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty checkin’ in from the shore. Let’s look at what’s on the table for the Stela Maris stretch.

Honestly, it’s a tough stretch ahead. The first week or so is pretty bleak. You’re lookin’ at a solid run of poor surf conditions from now through the first week of August. The wind is mostly onshore from the east or southeast, and the swell is short-period, around 8 seconds, which is just chunky and weak. The combined energy is moderate at best, peaking around 549 (moderate energy) on the morning of the 22nd, but the quality is just not there. It’s messy, onshore, and not worth paddling out for.

The low point is a real dead zone from the 26th of July through the 30th, where the energy drops to weak numbers, under 100, and the period drops to 7 seconds or even 6 seconds. That’s blown-out, gutless stuff.

Now, there is a little flicker of hope later on. On the 27th of July, Monday morning, the ENE wind drops to 5 km/h and goes glassy. The swell is tiny, just 3 ft from the east, with a short 7-second period, and the energy is still weak (126). It’s “surfable but very ordinary.” That’s the only moment in the first week that’s even worth a mention, but it’s not a standout.

The real highlight – and I mean the only one worth getting excited about – comes nearly two weeks out. On Sunday, the 2nd of August, we get a pulse of 6 ft swell from the ESE, but the period is still short at 8 seconds. The energy is moderate (387-433). The wind is onshore, so it’s going to be messy. For a spot that’s exposed and always consistent, it’s a bigger wave, but it’s not clean. This is for intermediate surfers who don’t mind a fight. The water temperature is about 79°, which is normal for the time of year, no anomaly to speak of.

For the absolute best on offer, I’d point to the morning of the 3rd of August. The swell drops to 5 ft from the east, still 8-second period, but the wind goes light cross-onshore from the ENE at 6 mph. The energy is moderate (391). It’s still not perfect, but it’s the most manageable of the bigger days. Expect crowds as this place is often busy.

If you’re a beginner, stay out of the water on the 2nd of August – that 6 ft is pushing it. The water temp is about average for the season.

So, bottom line: a long, flat, and poor-quality run for the first week, then a couple of days with size but messy wind. Keep your eyes on the 3rd of August for the best compromise. The forecasts can change, so don’t write it off completely.

Rusty.

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