Lunada Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab your board. Let's talk about what we've got lined up for the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

We're looking at a solid run of small, clean waves on the horizon, but you're going to have to be patient. The water's sitting at a toasty 72°F, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – feels more like a tropical escape than a typical California morning.

There's a bit of a slow start, though. The first few days of the outlook are a write-off. We've got tiny, gutless surf coming from the southwest, and the winds just aren't playing ball. Wait until Thursday the 10th for the first real chance.

Thursday morning, September 10th is your first real window at Lunada Bay. Swell is a clean 2ft from the SW, running on a very long 17-second period. That period is proper groundswell, and for a reef like this, it's going to pour in with some real shape and energy. The combined swell energy is sitting at 324, which is a moderate pulse. The real story though is that early morning cross-offshore breeze from the SE at 9 mph – it'll keep the surface glassy and clean. This is the standout of the whole outlook right here. It’s not big, but it’s quality. Be aware, this spot can get often crowded, so you'll want to be out there early.

The pattern holds for the rest of the first week with very small surf, but the winds keep it mostly blown out or onshore in the afternoons. Friday morning, September 11th will give you another chance at Lunada Bay with the same 2ft SW swell and a 16-second period (energy at 281). The early cross-off breeze returns, offering another clean session.

After that, the forecast gets pretty grim for a solid stretch. Starting Friday the 11th afternoon all the way through to the morning of Saturday the 19th, there's nothing worth paddling out for. We are talking days of onshore slop and tiny, disorganized 1ft to 2ft waves. You won't miss much if you leave the board at home.

Then, just when you're about to give up, the final week starts to show a pulse. Sunday morning, September 20th shows a cleaner picture at Lunada Bay. The swell is small at 2ft from the SW, with that long 18-second period again. Combined energy is back up to 312. The wind is a slight cross-off from the SSE at 3 mph, which is about as close to glassy as you can ask for. It’s a promising dawn patrol, but we are a long way out, so keep your expectations in check.

Honestly, if the early morning winds hold, Thursday the 10th is your best bet. It's not the biggest swell we'll see all year, but a clean, long-period groundswell on a quality reef like Lunada Bay with a light cross-off wind is a special combination. Get it while it's good.

Rusty.

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