La Preciosa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s break it down in feet and miles per hour.

I’m looking at La Preciosa for the next 16 days, and I gotta be straight with you – it’s a tough stretch. The first week and a half is mostly a bust. There’s constant swell, but the wind is a problem. It’s cross-off from the ESE or E at 12 to 19 mph, and while the waves are clean, the quality is just poor. The energy is there – on the 30th of July, the combined swell energy hits 243 (moderate) in the morning, with a 5ft east swell and a 7-second period, and the wind is offshore. That Thursday morning is the only real highlight in the first week. The forecast says “expect good surf conditions” for that one, so if you’re keen, that’s your window. But it’s short.

After that, it’s back to the same old: cross-off winds, poor surf, marginal conditions. The combined energy stays in the 100-300 range, so there’s moderate energy, but it’s not making good waves. The swell is mostly east, around 3ft to 5ft, with short periods of 6 to 8 seconds – weak, crumbly stuff. Not the kind of waves you want at a reef break.

The water’s about 84°, which is just 0.7° above normal – nothing special, just warm.

Then there’s a big gap. From the 31st of July all the way through to the 9th of August, it’s just poor surf conditions every day. The combined energy drops way down, hitting 56 and even 8 in some spots. That’s weak. The swell goes tiny, down to 0.3ft at one point on the 6th of August, with a 11-second period, but it’s from the NE and the energy is just not there. No surf.

The only other flicker is on the 9th of August – Sunday morning – we get a 4ft east swell with a 6-second period and combined energy of 160, but it’s still cross-off wind and the conditions are poor. The 10th of August is similar. Not worth paddling.

So, the standout is the Thursday morning of the 30th of July. That’s the only time the wind turns offshore, the swell is 5ft from the east, and the energy is moderate. It’s not a big day, but it’s the cleanest you’ll get. For a reef break like La Preciosa, that offshore wind will make it smooth. But keep in mind, this is an advanced wave, and at 5ft, it’s getting a bit much for beginners. The period is short at 7 seconds, so it’ll be a bit weak, but at least it’ll be clean.

Other than that, save your energy, mate. This is a long dry spell. Forecasts can change, but as it stands, there’s nothing to get excited about for a solid two weeks. Hang in there.

Rusty.

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