Fausse Passe Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s shakin’ for Fausse Passe.

We’re starting off slow. Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th are a write-off. Swell is tiny and the wind is all wrong, so leave the stick at home.

The first real chance to get wet is Sunday the 26th of July. This is a big one, but it’s for the big dogs only. The swell is pumping from the SSW at 12 ft on the morning, with a 15-second period, and the combined energy is a massive 5412 (strong to very strong). At 10 ft in the afternoon, don’t even think about bringing a beginner. That long period groundswell and clean cross-off wind will make the wave look good, but the power is serious. The water temp is 73°, which is about average for this time of year, so nothing unusual.

After that, Monday the 27th through Wednesday the 29th drops off a bit. It’s still rideable for the experienced crowd, with 7 ft to 4 ft SSW swell, but the wind gets a bit fresher and the conditions get marginal. The energy is still moderate (between 630 and 1606), but it’s not the standout.

Thursday the 30th of July brings a change with fresh offshore wind from the ENE, and that’s the kind of clean you dream about. 4 ft to 3 ft SSW swell, but the period is long (13 to 15 seconds), so the sets will be clean and lined up. The energy is moderate (621 to 831), but that offshore wind is the key. It’s a good one for the advanced surfer.

Friday the 31st is where I’d point you. The afternoon session is the real gem. 4 ft SSW swell with a 15-second period, combined energy of 1033 (moderate), and a moderate offshore breeze from the ENE. The guidance says it’s excellent surf for experienced surfers, and I agree. The swell direction is SSW, which matches the optimum for this spot, and those offshore winds will have it glassy. Crowds are only "sometimes" a problem, so you might get a few waves to yourself.

Saturday the 1st of August morning is a sleeper hit. Only 4 ft swell, but it’s glassy – WSW wind at 3 mph. That’s as good as it gets for upper-crust conditions. The period is 14 seconds, so there’s plenty of energy (853) for a clean, pushy wave. That’s a quiet, beautiful morning if you want it to yourself.

From Sunday the 2nd of August onward, it gets ugly. The wind swings onshore or cross-on, and the swell gets either too messy or too big. Monday the 3rd is a total loss. There’s a big spike again on the 4th, 5th, and 6th of August, with serious SSW swell (6 ft to 13 ft), but the wind is straight cross or cross-on, and the energy is through the roof (3198 to 6053). It’s just too lumpy and messy for a good paddle. For a reef break like Fausse Passe, that big swell without the right wind is a fight, not a ride.

So, the best on offer is the Friday afternoon on the 31st of July for the clean, offshore, well-powered swell, and the Saturday morning of the 1st of August for the sheer glassy bliss. The long-range stuff in the second week is all big, wind-blown chaos – steer clear unless you’re a masochist.

Rusty.

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