Laredo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s break it down. This forecast is a real test of patience. Early on, there’s barely a ripple, and conditions are mostly junk. But if you can wait, the second week brings some proper heavy water for the experienced crew.

Right now, starting Friday the 11th through the weekend, it’s flat and messy. Swell is tiny – around 2ft to 3ft – period is short, and the wind is onshore or cross-onshore, chopping everything up. The water temp is about 71°F, which is a bit warmer than normal for this time of year, so at least it’s comfortable to sit out there doing nothing. But there’s no surf worth paddling for until Sunday the 13th.

Sunday morning shows a pulse: 4ft swell from the NW with a 13-second period, and combined swell energy is moderate (478). That’s a groundswell, meaning better shaped waves, but the wind is still cross-onshore, leaving it marginal. The rating is low. Monday and Tuesday stay small and wind-affected. Tuesday the 15th has a clean offshore wind in the morning, but the swell drops to just 2ft. Not happening.

From Wednesday the 16th, things start to improve. Swell hits 4ft to 5ft, period climbs, and the wind turns clean cross-offshore. Conditions are still ordinary but getting better. Thursday the 17th morning is the first real standout in the first week: glassy conditions, 5ft NW swell at 11 seconds, combined energy at 524 (moderate). That’s a clean, fun session. Crowds are “often” here, so expect some company.

Then things go quiet again through the 18th and 19th. But hold on. Sunday the 20th is where this forecast lights up.

Sunday the 20th morning: absolutely glassy, 4ft of NNW groundswell with a very long 16-second period, combined energy at 1072 – that’s strong. The swell direction is perfect for Laredo’s optimum NW exposure. High-quality, clean surf. Then Sunday afternoon: 8ft from the NNW, period 15 seconds, combined energy at 2729. That’s excellent surf, but at 8ft, it’s expert territory only. This is the best on offer. A true standout.

Monday the 21st morning follows with 8ft, clean offshore W wind, period 13 seconds, energy at 2060. Another excellent session for experienced surfers. The afternoon gets a bit messy with cross-shore wind, but the morning is gold.

Tuesday the 22nd drops slightly to 7ft, but the wind goes cross-onshore, making it more marginal. Still big and powerful, but not as clean. This run of big groundswell continues through Wednesday the 23rd morning, which delivers glassy 5ft waves at 11 seconds, then tapers off into smaller, choppier afternoons.

The last notable pulse shows up on Friday the 25th with 5ft and glassy morning conditions, and then Saturday the 26th brings another excellent window: 7ft to 7ft, offshore and cross-offshore wind, period 12 seconds, combined energy over 1000. That’s another very good session for the experienced crew.

So the bottom line: the first week and a half is mostly a bust. There’s a small window on Thursday the 17th morning for clean, fun waves. But the real action is Sunday the 20th through Monday the 21st, with top-tier groundswell and clean conditions. That’s the one to circle. The Saturday the 26th morning is also a very strong contender. If you’re a beginner, stay home those days – it’s too big. If you’ve got the skill, get ready.

- Rusty

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