Latigo Canyon Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it for the next couple of weeks.

The first thing you need to know is that for the first week or so, it’s a bit of a grind out there. The swell is tiny and the quality is just not there. We’re looking at a real slow start with nothing worth paddling out for until we get into the second week.

From Friday the 21st of August right through to the end of the month, it’s a write-off. Swell heights are mostly around 1 ft to 2 ft, with a few pulses up to 3 ft, but the wave comment is consistently “poor surf conditions” or “marginal surf forecast or questionable tide conditions.” The combined energy of all swells directed here is weak, sitting between 150 and 300 (except for a couple of minor bumps), so it’s just not doing anything. The water temperature is about average for the time of year, nothing unusual there.

The first real sign of life shows up around Wednesday the 3rd of September. The swell starts to build, with heights around 3 ft to 4 ft from the SSE, and the energy jumps to 686-888. That’s a step in the right direction, but it’s still marginal.

Now, the standout window. Friday the 4th of September is the one to circle. The morning is looking proper. The swell is 4 ft from the SSE with a period of 16 seconds – that’s nice long-period groundswell, which will wrap nicely into the point. The wind is glassy, dead calm, with the wave comment saying “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” The combined energy is strong at 1104. This is the best on offer by a long shot. The swell is a bit solid for beginners, but for any intermediate or above, this is going to be clean and lined up. The offshore wind is from the south, which is pretty much on for this break, so expect clean, walling waves. Keep in mind the long period might make it a bit shifty on the takeoff, but the point should handle it fine. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

The following morning, Saturday the 5th of September, is still worth a look. The swell nudges up to 5 ft from the SSE, but the wind goes light onshore, so it won’t be as clean. The energy is very strong at 1368, but the quality is only marginal. It’s a little too big for the average punter, and the onshore breeze will make it lumpy. Leave that one for the experts if you’re keen.

Outside of that Friday the 4th morning, there’s nothing else that really sings. The rest of the 16-day window is filled with small, weak, or messy conditions. It’s a long wait for one good session, but when it comes, it’ll be worth it.

Rusty.

Read more