Cortez Bank Surf Report & Forecast

Local Knowledge

When Cortez Bank is on, you’re looking for long-period WNW to NW swell in the 18–22 second range with deepwater buoy heights of at least 12–15 feet. That’s when the bank starts to focus energy into 25–40 ft faces. If the buoys show 15–20 ft at 20s, expect 50–70 ft giants; anything bigger can push the bank into 80–100 ft territory. Swell direction matters—lines from 280°–310° hit Bishop Rock cleanest. Wind is critical too: look for calm dawns or light E/NE offshore flow, since anything west or south will crumble the faces. Multiple outer buoys like San Nicolas (46218) and San Clemente Basin (46086) should confirm the same long-period energy. If you see those numbers lining up, that’s the green light for Cortez—but only for elite, fully equipped crews with rescue support.