The Core Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

The Core is our only spot lighting up the forecast, but honestly, it’s a tough start. We’ve got a long dry spell ahead. From Wednesday the 22nd of July all the way through to the end of the month, it’s mostly flat or just plain messy. The water is sitting at a warm 84°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Let’s walk through the first week. Wednesday afternoon kicks off with a tiny 1.0ft swell from the ENE, period 9 seconds – weak energy (16). It’s glassy, but the surf is so poor it’s not worth a paddle. Thursday and Friday are similar: still tiny, still 1.0ft to 1ft, with light cross-shore winds. The energy stays low, between 29 and 50. You’re not going to get wet.

Saturday the 25th sees a pulse of 8ft SE swell, period 9 seconds, but it’s cross-shore wind at 15 mph and the wave comment says poor surf. The energy jumps to 895 (moderate), but the quality is junk. Sunday morning the 26th has 6ft from the SE with moderate cross-shore wind – still no good. By Monday and Tuesday it’s back to 0.7ft, with fresh cross-shore winds up to 19 mph. Just forget it.

We get a few cleaner days on the 29th and 30th with cross-offshore winds and glassy conditions, but the swell is still only 1.0ft. Energy is a weak 30. Surfable? Barely. Not worth the drive.

Now, there’s a gap here – no real surf until we hit the 1st of August. That’s several days of nothing. On Saturday the 1st of August, we finally see a little bump: 0.7ft from the E, but with a period of 20 seconds! That’s a very long period groundswell, so the energy is only 54 (weak), but it’s glassy. The wave comment says “surfable waves but very ordinary conditions.” It’s a hint of life.

Then Sunday the 2nd of August gets interesting. The swell picks up to 3ft from the E, period 17 seconds, energy 384 (moderate). Winds are light cross-onshore, but the wave comment is still “marginal.” Still, this is the first real sign of something brewing.

Monday the 3rd of August is the standout. The Core sees 4ft from the E, period 16 seconds, energy 661 (moderate). The wind goes glassy in the afternoon, and the wave comment says “expect very good surf conditions.” That’s the one to circle. Swell direction is E, which is off the optimum NE, but for a 4ft groundswell with glassy conditions, it’s going to be clean and fun. Perfect for beginners and intermediates alike – not too big, not too small.

Tuesday the 4th holds similar energy at 4ft, period 17 seconds, but the wind is cross-onshore, so not as clean. Wednesday the 5th and Thursday the 6th taper off back to 3ft and 3ft, with light cross-shore winds. The energy drops.

So, the honest truth: for the next week and a half, you’re waiting. The best bet is Monday the 3rd of August at The Core. That glassy afternoon session with 4ft of 16-second E groundswell is the real deal. It’s a long-range call, so keep an eye on it, but it’s the only standout in the whole 16 days.

Rusty out.

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