La Preciosa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at the next 16 days for our local spot.

Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you – it’s a tough outlook. We’re looking at a long, drawn-out run of pretty ordinary conditions starting now and going through the first week. The swell hangs around the 3ft to 6ft range from the east, but the wind is the real killer. It’s almost constantly a cross-off or howling onshore breeze, which means bumpy, messy surfaces most days. The water’s sitting at a warm 84°, which is about average for the time of year.

There are only a couple of windows that look worth paddling out. Wednesday the 12th and Thursday the 13th, early mornings, show a light offshore wind from the ESE. The swell is small – about 4ft and 3ft respectively from the east – and the period is short at 7 seconds. The energy is weak (122 and 92). It’s surfable, but you’ll be working for tiny, weak waves. It’s not going to be a standout session, just a chance to get wet if you’re desperate.

The real story here is the tail end of the forecast. Monday the 17th of August brings a pulse of longer-period groundswell, hitting 6ft from the east with a 12-second period. The energy jumps right up to 1090, which is strong. The problem is the wind is still a messy cross-off from the ENE, and the conditions are described as marginal. It’s big enough that it won't be for the groms, but the quality just isn't there.

Then on Tuesday the 18th of August morning, we get our best chance. The swell drops to a more manageable 5ft from the ENE, but the period is still a decent 10 seconds, with moderate energy (492). More importantly, the wind finally swings offshore from the ESE, promising clean, lined-up surf. This is the standout window – the combination of solid groundswell and clean conditions at La Preciosa is as good as it gets in this forecast. It's a reef break, so expect some power, and with the crowds listed as "sometimes," you might have a few friends out there.

After that, the wind goes bad again, and the swell fades back to tiny, weak 3ft to 5ft junk through the rest of the second week. There are a few more mornings with light offshore wind on the 21st and 22nd of August, but the swell is 4ft and short-period (6 seconds), giving us very ordinary, weak conditions. The energy is pitiful.

Bottom line: The first week is mostly a write-off. Stretch your wetsuit and wait for that Tuesday the 18th of August morning session. That’s the one with the best odds for a proper wave.

Stay patient,
Rusty

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