La Barra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s check what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, it’s a slow start. We’ve got a long stretch of nothing really worth paddling out for. From Thursday the 30th of July right through to the end of the first week of August, it’s mostly small, choppy, or just plain messy. A few mornings might look clean on the surface, but the swell is tiny, mostly around 1.0ft to 3ft, and the energy is weak. Thursday the 30th morning has a little 1ft SSE swell with a 13-second period, and the water is a touch warmer than usual at 54°F, but the combined energy is only 102 (weak), and with that cross-off wind, it’s just not doing anything. Friday and Saturday are even smaller. Sunday the 2nd of August morning has a bit of 2ft S swell, but the period is a dismal 6 seconds – no push, no shape.

Then Monday the 3rd of August morning finally shows a pulse. The swell bumps up to 3ft from the SSE with an 11-second period, and the combined energy jumps to 227 (moderate). The wind is light from the NE, making for clean conditions. *That* is the first real window. But it’s not a standout, just a glimmer.

The real standout in this whole forecast happens on Tuesday the 11th of August. That morning, La Barra (Uruguay) is looking mint. We’ve got a solid 7ft groundswell rolling in from the south, with a long 11-second period. The combined energy is a massive 978 (strong) – you’ll feel that in the water. And the wind? Glassy. Absolutely glassy from the NNE at 3 mph. That’s as good as it gets for clean conditions. This is a point/river setup, so that long-period swell will wrap in nicely and offer some proper lines. The water is about average for the time of year, no surprises there. This is the session to circle. Just be aware, the crowds are listed as “sometimes,” so you might have a few locals out, but it won’t be a circus.

The day before, Monday the 10th of August morning, is also worth a mention as a backup. It’s got 5ft from the SSE, a lovely 13-second period, and a clean cross-off wind from the WNW. The energy is 710 (strong), but it’s not quite as good as the Tuesday glass-off.

After that Tuesday peak, the swell hangs around for a couple of days but the wind starts to mess it up. Wednesday the 12th of August morning still has a solid 6ft from the SSE with a very long 13-second period – the energy is 1212 (very strong) – but the wind is light cross-shore, so it won’t be as clean. By Thursday the 13th, it’s dropping off and getting choppy again.

So, to boil it down: the first week is a write-off. The second week builds to a cracking Tuesday the 11th of August with La Barra at its best. That’s the one to aim for.

– Rusty

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