La Zenia Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s cooking in the water for the next couple of weeks.

It’s a flat spell, no two ways about it. The first week and a half is pretty much a write-off for any kind of surfable wave. We’re looking at a long stretch of tiny, weak swell with no energy behind it. The combined wave energy barely cracks double digits, sitting at a measly 10 (that’s weak energy). For the first several days, the water is a notable 84° – that’s 6° warmer than usual for this time of year, so it’s very unusual. You’d be floating in bathwater, but there’s just nothing to ride.

The only real glimmer of hope is much further out. By Wednesday morning, August 19th, we start to see a shift. The wind finally goes offshore from the WNW, and the swell starts to build. By the afternoon of the 19th, the swell hits 4ft from the ESE with a period of 6 seconds, and the combined energy jumps to 134 (moderate wave energy). The wind is strong at 19 mph but blowing offshore, so the surf will be clean. This is still a bit jumbled and short-period, but it’s the first real sign of life.

Then, Thursday morning, August 20th, is the best bet. At La Zenia, we’ve got a 3ft swell from the east, with a period of 6 seconds. The wind is light offshore from the WNW, keeping things clean. The combined energy is 83 (weak to moderate). It’s not a world-beater, but after so much flatness, it’s the standout. The water is still very warm, but the surf is just surfable, not epic. The afternoon of the 20th looks glassy with a 3ft swell from the ESE.

After that, it fades back down to tiny, poor conditions from the 21st onward. Don’t get your hopes up for the second week – it’s mostly small, onshore slop or flat.

So, to sum it up: the first 8 days are a total bust. The only window for a paddle is the 19th, but especially the morning of the 20th, at La Zenia. Mark it in your calendar, but don’t expect a classic.

Rusty.

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