Horse Trails Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let’s get into it. The next 16 days at Horse Trails have a lot of wind and size to deal with, but there are a few windows of clean energy if you time it right. The water temp is sitting at 56°, which is a solid 4° colder than normal for this time of year—so you’ll want a good hood and gloves right now.

The first real chance to get wet is Saturday morning, September 12th. We’ve got a clean 6 ft SW groundswell, a 14-second period, and cross-off winds. The combined swell energy is moderate (1802). It’s not perfect, but it’s the first decent look. That afternoon the swell bumps to 8 ft with a longer 16-second period (2991), but it stays clean. This is getting into the intermediate zone.

Sunday morning, September 13th, is where it gets interesting for the experienced crew. Clean 7 ft SW groundswell with a 14-second period (2152 energy) and light cross-off winds. The wave quality is good, but the size and the long period make this one for the confident surfer only. With a 14-second period, expect longer lulls between sets, so the paddle out isn’t as bad as it looks. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

We hit a long gap after that. Monday through Thursday of that week are blown out by strong winds (22 mph and up) or onshore junk. The swell is either too small or too wind-chopped to bother with. There’s nothing to recommend.

The next standout doesn’t come until the following week. Friday morning, September 18th, is looking prime for experienced surfers. Clean 8 ft SW groundswell, 13-second period, and a light cross-off breeze from the SE (2867 energy). Saturday morning, September 19th, is also excellent: clean 6 ft SW with a 13-second period (2004) and light offshore winds. That’s a much friendlier size for intermediates.

Then we get the big one. Saturday afternoon, September 19th, shows a massive 10 ft SW swell with an 18-second period and onshore wind. The energy is 4829. That is a huge, long-period groundswell, but the wind is onshore and the size is going to be too much for Horse Trails. It’s a caution flag for paddle surfing—likely better suited for the kite crew.

Sunday morning, September 20th, is the absolute pick of the window. We’re looking at clean 8 ft SW groundswell, 14-second period (2947) and glassy conditions with a light 3 mph ESE breeze. That’s a big clean swell with glassy conditions. This is for experienced surfers only, but it’s as good as it gets here for this run. Crowds are possible, so expect some company.

The rest of the second week has some lingering swell but the wind turns onshore again, or the period drops. Monday and Tuesday of that week are poor. Wednesday morning, September 23rd, offers small clean waves at 4 ft WSW with a 10-second period—fine for a longboard or a beginner session if you’re desperate. Thursday morning, September 24th, brings back a clean 7 ft SW with a 14-second period (1892) and offshore wind from the NE. That’s another solid look for the experts.

The final days, September 25th and 26th, are a write-off with strong onshore winds and lumpy conditions. Not worth paddling out.

So, the best on offer? Sunday morning, September 20th, for glassy conditions and a big, clean SW groundswell. Friday morning, September 18th, is the runner-up for cleaner size and lighter wind that’s a little more forgiving. Get on it.

Rusty.

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