La Barra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it for the next couple of weeks.

The pattern is setting up with a slow start, but there’s a solid run of cleaner mornings and a couple of standout windows that’ll get the heart pumping. The first surfable waves arrive Wednesday morning the 26th, but it’s a real struggle to get a good session until the weekend.

Wednesday 26th August – We’re starting small, real small. The 2ft SSW swell at La Barra (SSW) is coming in with a long 16-second period, so there’s more energy in the water than the height suggests (combined energy 214). The water is sitting at 87°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. The morning is a ripper with clear skies and a light SE wind, offering a clean-ish shoulder. But expect a crowd sometimes since it’s a fairly consistent spot. The afternoon gets messy, though—cross-on wind jumps to 12 mph and the swell drops to 1ft, so it’s a write-off.

Thursday 27th August – Another tiny morning, 1ft SSW, but with a glassy, flat calm wind. That’s a major positive. The swell is weak (combined energy 132). Still, if you’re desperate for a log, you might catch a few ankle-biters. Afternoon gets wrecked again by the same cross-on wind.

Friday 28th August – Slight bump in the morning: 2ft SSW, 19-second period. The swell energy is building (503). Light cross-on wind kicks up some tiny ripples, but it’s not clean. Not one to get excited about.

Saturday 29th August – Here we go. Morning surf is the pick of the early run. A clean 4ft SSW swell with a 16-second period, and glassy conditions. The combined energy jumps to 870, so there’s proper push. That’s a solid, fun-sized wave for intermediates. The SSW direction is bang on for the optimum. Afternoon is still cross-on at 12 mph, so the morning is the window.

Sunday 30th August – Another morning glass-off with 4ft SSW swell, but slightly shorter period (14 seconds). Combined energy is 691, still decent. Expect a clean, fun morning. The afternoon is a mess again.

Monday 31st August – Morning glass with 3ft SSW, 13-second period. Good, clean conditions (combined energy 391). Perfect for a longboard, but not a standout.

Tuesday 1st September – A bit of a drop-off. 3ft SSW swell, light cross-on breeze. Marginal. The afternoon sees a cross-shore wind that chops it up.

Wednesday 2nd September – Small again, 2ft, but with a long 17-second period. Energy is moderate (551). Light cross-on in the morning. Not a standout.

Thursday 3rd September – Morning glass returns with 2ft SSW, 16-second period. Clean but small (combined energy 407). Good for a quick paddle.

Friday 4th September – Swell bumps up to 4ft SSW, 17-second period, and combined energy kicks into strong territory (1079). The wind is cross-on, though, so the surf will be a bit lumpy. It’s a tease.

Saturday 5th September – This is the standout. The morning delivers 5ft SSW swell with a 16-second period, combined energy 1179, and glassy conditions. The wind is a light ENE breeze, so it’s near-perfect. This is excellent for experienced surfers—anything over 5ft is getting a bit big for beginners. The direction is perfect for the break. Do not miss this window.

Sunday 6th September – Morning glass again with 4ft SSW, 14-second period. Combined energy 550. Solid, clean, but not as special as the day before.

Monday 7th September – Another clean morning with 3ft, good for a quick session.

Tuesday 8th September – Small but glassy, 3ft.

Wednesday 9th September – Here’s another promising one. Morning cross-off wind from the NW at 6 mph, with a 3ft SSW swell and a long 18-second period. Combined energy 611. The cross-off wind will keep it clean. A good one for the longboard or a fish.

Thursday 10th September – Morning glass with 3ft SSW, 16-second period. Combined energy 661. Clean and fun. The afternoon sees a cross-off wind from the WNW, keeping the lines clean too. This is a solid finisher.

So, the absolute best is Saturday 5th September morning at La Barra—5ft, glassy, clean. Second best is Wednesday 9th September morning with the cross-off wind and long period. If you’re a beginner, stick to the mornings under 5ft, like the 3ft sessions on Monday 31st or Thursday 10th.

Rusty.

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