The Gallows Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again. Let’s talk The Gallows in feet and knots.

The water is sitting warm, about 68°F, which is nearly 4°F above normal for this time of year, so that’s a nice bonus for the first paddle out.

We’re starting right into a massive, powerful swell. From Sunday the 9th through Tuesday the 11th, the energy readings are well over 12,000 combined. The southwest swell is running 15ft to 18ft with a very long period of 16 seconds—a serious groundswell. But it’s accompanied by cross-onshore winds blowing 15 to 28 mph with rain. The reports say poor surf conditions. This is not for a paddle. It’s looking like a kite session.

On Wednesday the 12th and Thursday the 13th, the swell drops to about 12ft, still a long southwest groundswell. The combined energy is still high (over 5,500). But the forecast keeps saying it’s too big for this break. The winds finally ease, and on Thursday morning we get a glass-off with wind from the southwest at only 3 mph. The report says “glassy.” The standout for the first week for clean conditions, but it’s only for experts.

By Friday the 14th, the swell is 10ft, still 15-second period. The wind turns cross-off from the northeast at 9 mph with clean conditions flagged. Energy is down to 4402 combined. Still considered too big, but it’s the most manageable window of the week and clean.

Saturday the 15th through Sunday the 16th we see a lull. Swell drops to around 8ft. The energy falls into the 2,000s. Winds are cross-off, but the outlook calls it marginal due to tides. Not the call.

Another big spike hits on Monday the 17th. Swell jumps back to 16ft from the southwest, 17-second period, and energy spikes to 15,068. Wind is a light cross-on. Report says favorable, but again, too big for this break. It’s an expert-heavy day.

From Tuesday the 18th through Wednesday the 19th, it’s back to large, messy surf with strong winds and poor conditions. Energy over 6,000. Skip it.

Thursday the 20th brings a 12ft swell but still with a cross-on breeze, just fair.

Then Friday the 21st is the real standout. Swell is a manageable 8ft from the southwest with a 13-second period. Energy is 2,496. The wind finally plays nice: cross-off out of the north-northeast at only 6 mph, and the report says “clean” and “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” This is the golden window. Expect other folks to be there, it’s a spot that can get busy, but the quality will be high.

Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd see the swell build back up into the 10ft to 12ft range with stronger cross and cross-onshore winds, turning it lumpy again.

By Monday the 24th, it’s back to messy, strong onshore winds and rain with poor conditions.

The only clear standout in the whole 16-day run is the morning of Friday the 21st.

Rusty out.

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