La Preciosa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Looks like we’ve got a bit of a slow start, but there’s some hope on the horizon. The first real surf worth paddling out for is on Thursday, August 13, but don’t expect fireworks straight away.

La Preciosa is a reef break that’s advanced-only and very consistent, with an exposed setup that loves swell from the north. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so nothing crazy there.

Alright, let’s run through it. Thursday morning, August 13, we’ve got some clouds and a 4ft easterly swell, period short at 7 seconds, with offshore wind from the ESE. The combined energy is weak (142), but it’s surfable. Conditions are clean and the offshore breeze will give you some lined-up faces. It’s not a standout, but it’s a start.

Friday, August 14, the swell picks up to 6ft from the east, still short period at 8 seconds. The combined energy jumps to moderate (373), and we’ve got offshore wind in the morning. This is borderline – the size is getting into the zone where it’s a bit much for beginners, but for advanced surfers, it could be fun if the tide plays nice. It’s a marginal call though.

Saturday, August 15, stays similar – 5ft east swell, 8 second period, and cross-off winds. The energy is moderate (298), but the wind is not quite offshore, so it’ll be a bit choppy. Still, clean conditions on the surface. Keep it on the radar, but don’t get too excited.

Now, here’s the one that stands out. Monday, August 17 – the swell pulses to 7ft from the east, and the period stretches to 10 seconds, giving it some proper groundswell energy. The combined energy is strong (972). In the morning, we’ve got cross-off wind and it’s marginal, but the afternoon is where it’s at. The wind stays light from the ENE, and the guidance says “expect very good surf conditions.” This is the best on offer in the whole 16-day window. For advanced surfers, this is the session. The longer period means better shaped waves, but at a reef break like La Preciosa, that’s a good thing – it’ll hold the swell and give you some proper barrels. The size is over 7ft, so it’s expert territory only. Crowds are possible here, so be ready to share the lineup.

After that, things drop off fast. Tuesday, August 18, has a morning window with offshore wind and a 4ft east swell (9 seconds, moderate energy at 272), but the afternoon gets blown out. Then from Wednesday, August 19, through to Saturday, August 22, it’s mostly poor – small waves, short period, and cross-off winds. The energy drops to weak (100-130 range). The morning of Thursday, August 20, has a gentle offshore breeze and a 3ft east swell, but it’s very ordinary.

Sunday, August 23, is flat – 1ft and 1.0ft, not worth a paddle. Then Monday, August 24, through Tuesday, August 25, sees a little bump back to 4ft to 5ft, but the period is short (7 seconds) and winds are cross-off or onshore, so it’s poor.

Finally, Wednesday, August 26, and Thursday, August 27, show some promise again. Wednesday morning has a 5ft east swell, 8 seconds, with moderate energy (372). The afternoon on Wednesday has offshore wind and a 5ft east swell, period 8 seconds, energy moderate (517) – it’s marginal but might be worth a look. Thursday, August 27, has a 6ft east swell, period stretching to 10 seconds, and combined energy strong (610). Winds are cross-off, so it’s clean but not perfect. This is a long-range call, so less certain, but keep an eye on it.

Overall, the standout is Monday, August 17 afternoon – that’s the one to circle on the calendar. The rest is a mix of small, ordinary surf and a few marginal windows. Don’t expect much in the second week.

Rusty.

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