La Barra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, surfers, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s cooking for the next couple of weeks.

Right now, the pattern is all about La Barra, a river/jetty setup that’s got a consistent but not massive pulse of SSW swell running through the whole forecast. The water’s sitting at a warm 86°, which is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

We kick off this Saturday morning, the 18th of July, with clean, glassy conditions. The swell is a modest 3 ft, coming from the SSW with a solid 13-second period. You’re looking at moderate energy (387) but with the wind dead calm from the east, the waves will be clean and lined up. It’s a good start to the weekend, but the afternoon turns ugly when the wind swings southwest and picks up, turning the surface to chop. Not worth it.

Sunday morning, the 19th, is a repeat of the morning: glassy, clean, 3 ft of SSW swell. Hop on it early. By afternoon, the wind from the southwest ruins it again.

Monday the 20th is a real gem. The swell drops a touch to 3 ft, but the period stretches out to a very long 16 seconds – a proper groundswell. The energy is ramping up (453) and the morning is dead calm. It’s going to be glassy perfection. Because it’s a river/jetty, that long period swell will wrap in nicely and hold its shape. However, the afternoon brings a cross-shore wind that makes it messy.

Tuesday the 21st is another morning mission. Glassy, clean, 3 ft of 15-second SSW swell. The wind is a light NNW, which is offshore for this break. That’s a major positive. Get out there early before the wind shifts.

Wednesday the 22nd is a smaller day. Swell drops to 2 ft and the energy is fading (241). Still, the morning is glassy, so you can get a few fun ones, but nothing special.

Thursday the 23rd is flat-ish. The morning is a tiny 2 ft with weak energy (111). It’s surfable but very ordinary. The afternoon brings a weird, short-period SE windswell that’s messy and choppy.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Friday the 24th of July is the standout. The morning is magic. We’ve got 3 ft of SSW swell, but the period is a massive 24 seconds. The energy is strong (857) and the wind is a light WNW cross-offshore, keeping the surface clean. That’s a groundswell that will push through the river mouth with heaps of power and shape. This is the best session on offer, by far.

Saturday the 25th morning is also a winner. 3 ft of 21-second SSW swell, glassy, clean. The energy is pumping (966). It’s another top-tier morning, just a step below Friday.

From Sunday the 26th onward, the energy continues to build, but the wind gets tricky. The swell climbs to 4 ft and then 4 ft, and the period holds over 18 seconds. But the mornings have a cross-on wind that puts small ripples on the face. The waves will be there with a lot of energy (987 to 1009), but it’s not perfect.

By Monday the 27th, the swell hits 5 ft, and there’s a risk of thunderstorms. The energy is now strong (1413). This is getting too big for beginners. The afternoon sees 5 ft waves with onshore wind, making it a mess.

Tuesday the 28th of July is the second standout. The swell is a solid 6 ft, with a 17-second period. The energy is very strong (1670). The morning is glassy, dead calm. This is excellent surf, but only for experienced surfers – 6 ft is pushing into expert territory, especially with that kind of power. The afternoon stays clean with a cross-offshore wind. This is a big day for the crew who can handle it.

Wednesday the 29th stays big at 6 ft, but the wind is a messy cross-on, and there’s risk of thunderstorms. The energy is still strong (1387), but the quality drops.

Thursday the 30th sees the swell drop to 4 ft. The morning is glassy, with good energy (765). A solid session for intermediates.

The final weekend, the 1st and 2nd of August, sees the swell drop back to 3 ft. The mornings are clean, with light offshore or glassy conditions. It’s a fun, gentle end to the run.

Overall, the best windows are Friday 24th morning and Tuesday 28th morning/afternoon. Friday is the cleaner, more accessible standout, while Tuesday is the big, powerful day for experts.

Rusty.

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