The Gallows Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Imperial

Alright, let’s break down this run. The Gallows is a heavy, advanced reef that only fires when the combination is right, and we have a massive stretch of groundswell on the way. Water temp is normal for this time of year, nothing unusual.

First chance to get wet is Monday morning, August 3rd. Swell is from the SW at 6ft with a 15-second period – that’s proper long-period groundswell with a combined energy reading of 1305. The wind is from the NNE at 15 mph, giving us clean cross-off conditions. A good, solid start for the experienced crew.

But by Monday afternoon, the wind goes NNW at 15 mph, turning cross-onshore and messing up the 6ft swell. Not worth it.

From Wednesday, August 5th, things get serious. The swell jumps to 13ft to 15ft, and by August 11th we’re looking at 21ft to 24ft. That’s expert-only. The guidance flags it as "too big for this break" for many of those days, and I agree. Even when the wind is offshore or cross-off, like on August 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th, the combined energy is massive – between 7478 and 40673. The swell period is hanging in the 14-19 second range, which is very long-period groundswell. The reef will hold it better than a beach break, but the size is intimidating.

For the big-wave specialists, the standout is Friday, August 14th. Morning has a 25ft SW swell with a 19-second period, energy reading 40673, and a SSE wind at 12 mph blowing clean cross-off. That is the pick of the entire 16-day window. It's a long way off, so keep an eye on it, but it looks massive.

Monday, August 17th morning is another good one for experts: a 12ft WSW groundswell (14s, 5393 energy) with a light NE breeze at 6 mph keeping it glassy.

For everyone else, this is a long wait. From August 5th onward, it’s nearly all too big for a normal paddle. There’s a brief look on Sunday, August 16th morning when the swell drops to 10ft SW with a 14-second period and a light south wind – but it’s cross-shore with ripples, and the energy is moderate (3278). Still big water. Crowds at The Gallows can happen sometimes, but at this size, you won’t see anyone else.

Bottom line: Monday the 3rd is a solid starter, then a long run of massive, powerful groundswell. Experts, mark August 11th through 15th for the best, cleanest, biggest conditions. Beginners and intermediates, find somewhere smaller – this is all heavy-duty.

Stay safe.

- Rusty

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