Horse Trails Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the table for Horse Trails over the next couple of weeks.

First up, the water is sitting at a chilly 56°, which is a whopping 4° colder than normal for this time of year. That’s a notable bite in the air, so you’ll want the thickest rubber you’ve got. The overall pattern is looking like a big pulse of energy rolls in after a rough start, giving us a solid window of quality surf mid-week, but then it fades back into mediocrity.

The immediate outlook is a bit of a write-off. Saturday afternoon (August 8th) is a no-go. The surf is a thumping 12 ft, and while the wind is light, the sheer power is just too much for this break. The combined energy is a massive 4499 (strong to very strong) – it’s just unsurfable here. By Sunday (August 9th), it’s a total mess with a strong southerly breeze making for awful, choppy conditions. You’d be better off staying home.

Monday (August 10th) is still marginal, with 8 ft to 8 ft swell and a moderate breeze, but the sets are still a bit on the big side. It’s clean, but the tide is going to be a factor.

The standout is undoubtedly Wednesday, August 12th. This is the pick of the forecast. We’ve got a solid 6 ft to 6 ft groundswell from the WSW, with a very long period of 18 seconds. That’s a ton of energy and shape, but it’s going to be powerful and clean. The wind is a gentle offshore from the ENE, promising glassy, peeling lines. The combined energy is a healthy 2093 (moderate). This is excellent surf for experienced surfers, but it’s a little too meaty for beginners. The morning session on Thursday (August 13th) is also a top call, with 8 ft swell and a clean offshore wind, though it’s pushing the upper limit of what’s fun.

For the rest of the first week, things taper off. Friday (14th) is still rideable but the wind starts to turn, and by the weekend it’s back to messy cross-shore chop. A real shame.

Looking into the second week, there’s a little glimmer on Saturday afternoon, August 15th. The wind goes glassy, and there’s a clean 6 ft swell from the WSW. It’s a promising session, but after that, the wind and surf get sloppy again. The energy drops off significantly after that, with the combined energy falling to 337 (weak) by Wednesday the 19th – a sign of a real lull. The final few days of the outlook are pretty poor, with fresh winds and lumpy seas.

So, to sum it up: don’t even bother with the first weekend. The absolute best window is Wednesday, August 12th, with Thursday morning also a great shout. After that, it’s a waiting game for a few cleaner days, but nothing with the same power.

Stay warm out there.
Rusty.

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