Willow Creek Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s shaking at Willow Creek.

Right off the bat, we’re looking at a pretty mellow run. The first few days are nothing to write home about—small, cross-shore wind, and the sort of energy that keeps you on a foamie. Monday July 20th is a write-off for anything serious; the swell is only 3ft from the SSW, with a cross breeze all day and the combined energy sitting at 750 (moderate at best). It’s beginner territory, but if you’re learning, it’s fine.

But here’s the thing—Tuesday July 21st morning is a real little gem. The wind goes glassy, flat calm, just 5 km/h out of the west, and the swell bumps up to 3ft off the SSW with a long 17-second period. That’s a proper groundswell pulse. The energy reading is 882 (moderate), but that long period really makes the most of this reef. It won’t be big, but it’ll be clean, and the reef will line those waves up nicely. This is the standout of the first week. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The rest of the week stays pretty consistent but small, with the swell hanging around 3ft to 4ft. The winds are mostly cross-shore, and the period stays long—15 to 17 seconds—so the shape is there, just not much push. The combined energy dips into the 300s and 400s for a couple of days, which is weak. Not terrible, but you’ll be scratching for a decent wave.

Then we hit the last week of July and it gets more interesting. July 28th Tuesday sees the swell rising to 4ft, with the energy climbing to 1696 (strong), and the wind is light. By Wednesday July 29th morning, we get a glassy 0 wind from the south, the swell is 4ft from the SSW, and the energy is 1366 (strong). That’s excellent surf for experienced surfers, and the reef will handle those long-period lines. This is the best on offer for the whole outlook. The water temp is still about average, so just a wetsuit top will do.

After that, it tails off a bit. The swell drops back to 3ft on the 30th, and the wind stays cross. The first of August has a couple of glassy windows—Saturday August 1st afternoon goes glassy with 5ft from the S, and Sunday August 2nd morning is glassy with 4ft from the S. Both are decent, but not as good as that Wednesday.

By the end of the run, August 4th Tuesday morning, the wind is glassy again, with 5ft of NW swell, but the period is shorter at 10 seconds and the energy is only 461 (weak). It’s okay, but nothing special.

Overall, the best surf is Wednesday July 29th morning. The swell is 4ft, the wind is flat calm, the energy is strong, and the reef will be working perfectly. Tuesday July 21st morning is a close second for the cleaner, smaller waves. If you’re a beginner, stick to the first few days, but if you’re experienced, aim for that Wednesday.

Rusty.

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