Weld Road Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright crew, Rusty here. Let’s talk about Weld Road (reef). We’ve got a solid run of swell coming, but it’s a real mixed bag, so you’ve got to pick your moments.

First call is Monday afternoon, July 27th. We’re looking at a 7ft swell from the WSW, with a period of 13 seconds. The combined energy is strong at 1550, and the wind is a cross-offshore breeze from the SW at 12 mph. The water is sitting at 58°, which is about average for this time of year. It’s a bit of a wrestling match with the tide, but it’s rideable for the experienced crew.

Now, Tuesday morning, July 28th, is a real gem. The swell drops to 6ft from the WSW, still 12 seconds period, but the wind switches to a light ESE breeze at just 3 mph. The wave energy is 805, moderate. That combo is going to make for some clean, lined-up waves. If you can get out there early, you’ll be rewarded.

After that, things get a bit messy. Tuesday afternoon sees a cross-shore, and Wednesday the 29th is a write-off with onshore winds and poor conditions. Thursday the 30th is a washout with onshore rain and strong winds, so don’t even bother.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Friday, July 31st, we get a big pulse. Morning sees a 13ft WSW swell, and by afternoon it’s up to 16ft, with a combined energy reading of 5482. That is significant, powerful swell. The wind is cross-shore, but honestly, this is too big for the break. The forecast says it’s too big, and I’m telling you, unless you’re a gun charger on a big-wave gun, stay ashore. This is for experts only.

Saturday, August 1st, keeps the big energy with 16ft and 15ft swells, and finally, some clean offshore winds. The energy is huge (8886 and 6402). Again, this is expert territory. The takeoff will be heavy, and the paddle out is a mission.

The pattern settles down on Sunday, August 2nd. The swell drops to 8ft in the morning and 8ft in the afternoon, with an 11-second period. By the afternoon, we get a gentle offshore wind from the SSE at 9 mph. The energy is 1322, which is solid. The text says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” That’s your window for a real session without the life-threatening size.

The first week of August keeps delivering. Monday, August 3rd, is a standout. The swell is 5ft to 6ft from the WSW, but the period jumps to 19-20 seconds. That’s a very long period groundswell. The energy is 2342 and 2900. The wind is light and offshore in the morning, turning cross-off in the afternoon. For a reef break like Weld Road, this is a dream scenario. The waves will have real power, long waits between sets, but the shape will be excellent. The only caveat is that long period groundswell can be tricky at some spots, but on a reef it’s usually perfect.

The second week (August 4th onward) is a lottery. There’s still swell, but the wind is all over the place. The 5th and 6th of August see another big pulse (15ft to 16ft) with good offshore winds, but again, it’s too big for most. The 7th of August has 12ft waves with clean wind, but that’s still big. The 8th and 9th offer 8ft and 6ft swells with offshore winds, which is more manageable, but the energy is still moderate. The 10th and 11th of August show the swell fading, with strong offshore winds that make paddling a chore.

The best on offer: Tuesday morning, July 28th, for the clean, manageable size; and Monday, August 3rd, for the long-period groundswell with perfect conditions. If you’re an expert, Saturday, August 1st and the 6th/7th are a true test of nerve.

Rusty

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