La Push Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks. Honestly, it’s a bit of a slow burn to start, but there’s a glimmer of something worth getting excited about if you’re patient.

We kick off with a pretty average run. The first few days, from Friday the 24th through to the 29th, are all marginal. The swell is small, never getting above 4 ft, and the wind is mostly cross-off or cross, which is okay, but the wave energy is moderate at best. You’ll see combined energy readings in the 200 to 900 range, so it’s not dead, but it’s not firing. The water temp at La Push is sitting at 55°, which is a solid 4° colder than normal. That’s a notable chill, so a good wetsuit is a must.

By the 30th of July, things go flat. From Thursday the 30th right through to Monday the 3rd of August, the conditions are poor. The wind turns cross-on and picks up, and the waves are just messy. The swell direction swings to the NW and W, the period drops to 8 seconds or less, and the scores are absolute zeros. It’s a real lull, and there’s nothing to recommend for a paddle surfer.

But then, hold onto your wax. On Tuesday the 4th of August, we see a shift. The swell starts to build, and by Wednesday the 5th, we’ve got a 8 ft to 8 ft swell out of the WNW. That’s getting into expert territory, especially with that size. The combined energy hits four digits – 1020 and 1071 – so that’s strong wave energy. The period is 9 seconds, which isn’t super long, but it’s solid. The wind is light and mostly onshore, which will keep it clean enough. This is the standout of the entire forecast.

For the expert crew, that Wednesday the 5th of August at La Push is the one to circle. The swell direction is WNW, and the break is a reef, exposed to that direction. The water is still cold, but with that size and a light wind, it’s going to be a proper session. It’s a consistent spot, and with a beginner difficulty rating, it’s not one for the learners when it’s this big. Crowds are possible, so be ready to share.

After that, the swell drops back down through the 6th to the 8th, and the wind comes back onshore, so the magic fades. The 7th and 8th are back to poor conditions.

So, bottom line: the first week is a write-off, but the start of the second week, especially Wednesday the 5th of August, has a real punch for the experienced. Get in the water if you can handle it.

Rusty.

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