La Barra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's get into it.

We've got a bit of a slow start on the cards for La Barra, but don't write it off just yet. The first few days have some swell, but the wind is a bit of a pain, making it hard to get excited. The overall pattern is one of waiting for the right moment, and there are a couple of sweet spots in the mix if you're patient.

The first look is Saturday the 11th. The swell is on the small side, around 4ft from the SSW. The wave energy is moderate (728). The issue is that southerly wind is blowing cross-onshore, which is never ideal. You might get a wave, but it'll be a bit lumpy. Not the best way to kick things off.

Sunday the 12th looks even tougher. The swell drops to 4ft, and the wind stays in the cross-onshore zone, making things choppy. Not a day to plan around.

The real turning point comes Monday morning, July 13th. The wind goes completely glassy, and the swell is a clean 3ft from the SSW. The combined energy is moderate (309). This is the kind of start to the day where you can get some nice, clean lines. The water temperature is sitting at 87°, which is about a degree and a half warmer than usual for this time of year, so it's a bit toasty. This is a solid option for a morning session.

Tuesday morning, July 14th, is more of the same good news. Sheet glass conditions with a light easterly breeze, and 3ft of SSW swell. The energy is similar (334). It's small, but with the clean conditions, it'll be fun.

Wednesday morning, the 15th, is another glassy morning with 3ft of SSW swell. The pattern is clear: the early birds are going to get the cleanest waves.

Now, I want to point you to the standout. Thursday morning, July 16th. We have a glassy calm, clear skies, and a 3ft swell from the SSW with a period of 16 seconds. That's long-period groundswell energy, and it will wrap into the river/jetty setup at La Barra nicely. The combined energy is moderate (515), and the conditions are saying "very good". This is the best morning of the first week. The only thing to watch is that longer period swell can make the sets more spaced out, but the quality will make up for it.

The pattern of good mornings holds through the next week. Friday, July 17th, is another glassy start with 3ft of SSW swell. Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th follow the same script: clean mornings with dropping swell (3ft and 3ft), then the afternoon winds pick up from the south.

Monday, July 20th, is a real sleeper. An early glassy morning with 3ft of SSW swell, but with a period of 16 seconds. The energy is moderate (541), and the forecast calls for "very good" conditions. Worth a look.

Things start to fade a bit from Tuesday the 21st through Thursday the 23rd. The swell drops to 2ft and the energy weakens. It's surfable, but it's a definite lull.

Then, we get a bit of a wild card. Friday morning, July 24th, sees a jump in swell to 5ft from the SSE. The period is short, only 7 seconds, so it'll be a bit weak and choppy. The energy is moderate (564), but the short period means it's not going to be the best shape.

The real fireworks are in the long-range. Saturday morning, July 25th, is looking incredible. The forecast shows a 3ft swell from the SSW with a very long period of 21 seconds. The combined energy here is strong (1265). This is a serious groundswell. The wind is glassy out of the west. This is an excellent surf condition for experienced surfers. The river/jetty setup at La Barra will be the place to be for these long lines.

Sunday morning, July 26th, is even more promising. We're looking at 4ft from the SSW with a 19-second period, and the combined energy is very strong (1732). The wind is again glassy from the west. This is another day for experienced surfers to get psyched on. The caveat is that these long-period swells can be a bit much for beginners, and the 7ft pulse on the afternoon of the 26th is definitely expert territory.

Crowds at La Barra are a possibility, so getting there early for those glassy mornings is the smart play.

So, to sum it up: the best of the best is the morning of Thursday, July 16th, for a classic, clean, long-period session. The biggest, most powerful swell is coming on the weekend of the 25th and 26th, but that's deep groundswell energy for the experienced crew.

Rusty.

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