La Preciosa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s cut through the data and get into it.

We’re looking at La Preciosa, a reef break for advanced surfers only. It’s a super consistent spot, exposed to swell, and the optimum direction is from the north. The water temp is sitting about average for this time of year, so nothing weird there for the first break we talk about.

Right now, the outlook is pretty grim for a while. The start of the period is a real bummer. From Friday the 21st through to Wednesday the 26th, the surf is just not happening. We’re talking small, weak, short-period windswell coming out of the east, mostly only around 3 ft to 4 ft, with a period of just 6 to 8 seconds. The wind is a cross-offshore breeze, but it’s blowing 15 to 19 mph, which is a moderate to fresh breeze, so it’s not totally clean, and the combined swell energy is low, often under 100. The wave comment says it plainly: poor surf conditions. You’ll be fighting the wind for nothing.

Thursday the 27th morning brings a slight uptick – still not good, but the combined energy climbs to 296, and the swell bumps to 4 ft at 8 seconds. Still, the wind is howling at 15-19 mph. It’s labeled as marginal, not something to get excited about. The same pattern holds for Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th. There’s a touch more energy, but the wind stays strong cross-offshore, and the swell period is too short for real quality.

Now, the Sunday morning of the 30th of August is the first time you can actually crack a smile. We get a proper offshore wind (ESE 12 mph), and it’s a moderate breeze, so the face will be clean. The swell is 5 ft at 8 seconds, with a combined energy of 317. The wave comment says "expect good surf conditions." That’s the standout for the first week. It’s not a monster, but it’s the first session that’s worth paddling out for.

Monday the 31st morning sees the swell bump to 6 ft, but the wind shifts back cross-offshore. The energy jumps to 541, which is moderate to strong, but the conditions are labeled marginal because of the wind. Only for the experienced crew who can handle the chop.

Then we hit a big drop. From Tuesday the 1st of September through to Thursday the 3rd, the swell collapses back to tiny, weak waves (0.3 ft to 2 ft). The energy drops to single or low double digits. Forget it.

Looking into the second week, Friday the 4th and Saturday the 5th of September show a glimmer again. Saturday the 5th morning is the best of the late run. Swell is 5 ft from the east at 7 seconds, with a gentle breeze of only 9 mph. The combined energy hits 272 and the wave comment says "expect good surf conditions." It’s lighter wind, making it a cleaner option. That Saturday morning is the pick of the later period, but it’s a long way out, so treat it as promising but not locked in.

Best on offer: Sunday the 30th of August morning and Saturday the 5th of September morning. The 30th has the cleanest offshore wind at a decent size; the 5th has lighter wind and a solid 5 ft. For a reef break like La Preciosa, those are the windows.

Crowds are possible here – it’s a well-known spot – but for a Sunday morning with a good forecast, expect company. Don't forget, this is a reef, so it's for advanced surfers only. Beginners, stay away, especially when it’s over 5 ft.

Rusty.

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