La Palue Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty coming at you from the French Atlantic coast. We’re looking at a pretty bleak run for the next couple of weeks at La Palue. It’s an expert-only spot that’s exposed to the swell, but the wind and conditions are just not playing ball for most of the forecast.

Right now, the water temp is sitting at 66°, which is pretty normal for this time of year. The trouble is, the wind is a mess. We’ve got a solid gap here with no good surf on the cards. From this Thursday morning right through to the end of the first week of September, it’s a long stretch of “poor surf conditions.” The wind is mostly cross-onshore or onshore, making things choppy and messy. There’s a little pulse of energy coming through on the 29th of August with a 8 ft to 8 ft swell from the WSW, but with a strong breeze of 25 mph, it’s going to be a washing machine. The combined energy is moderate to strong (613 to 956), but it’s completely unsurfable for paddling—more of a kite surfer’s dream than a surfer’s. The period is short, around 8 seconds, so no real power or shape.

Things start to look a tiny bit promising on the morning of Wednesday the 2nd of September. The wind goes glassy, and we get a tiny 2 ft swell from the WNW. The period is short at 8 seconds, and the energy is weak (88), so it’s not going to be epic, but it’s surfable. That’s really the only window for a quick, mellow session.

After that, the poor conditions return until the morning of Sunday the 6th of September. That morning, the wind turns glassy again, and we have a 4 ft swell from the west with a 10-second period. The combined energy is moderate (363), and the forecast says “expect good surf conditions.” This is the standout session. The swell is small but clean, and the direction is right on the money for La Palue’s optimum from the WSW. It’s not big, but it’ll be fun, and the glassy wind means it’ll be smooth. Keep in mind, this spot is exposed and can get crowded, so expect some company.

Looking further out, the 11th of September is one to watch. The morning has a 8 ft swell from the west with a 9-second period, and it’s clean with a cross-offshore wind. The energy is strong (823). It’s a promising call, but it’s a long way out, so treat it as a maybe. That afternoon, the swell drops to 7 ft, but the wind picks up to 16 mph from the NE. Still clean, but the energy jumps to 1346, which is very strong. For an expert break like La Palue, this could be a proper session if the wind plays nice.

Honestly, the best bet is the morning of the 6th of September. It’s the only real standout in a sea of poor conditions. The rest of the time, you’re better off waiting for a better forecast or a different spot.

Rusty

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