San Juan Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for San Juan.

To be honest, the next couple of weeks are a bit of a write-off for decent waves. We’ve got a long dry spell ahead. The first solid surf recommendation doesn’t show up until Sunday the 23rd of August, and even that’s not great. So from now, 16 August, through to Saturday the 22nd, it’s flat or just messy windswell with poor conditions. Nothing worth paddling out for.

Even when the swell does show up, it’s held back by strong onshore winds. For example, on Sunday the 23rd afternoon, we see a 5 ft swell from the north with a period of 10 seconds, and combined wave energy reading 508 (moderate energy) – but it’s blown out by a 12 mph cross-onshore breeze making it choppy. That’s the best on offer, and it’s still poor surf conditions. Not a standout.

Through the last week of August and into the final days, the swell picks up a bit more, with heights hitting 7 ft on the 25th and energy jumping to 674 (moderate energy), but again, winds are howling onshore from the NNE at 22–25 mph. The period is short, only 7–8 seconds, so it’s junky, wind-affected slop. That size at 7 ft is too big for beginners and with those winds, it’s really only for experts who don’t mind a battle, but the quality is poor.

San Juan is a reef break that’s consistent and exposed, with an optimum swell from the NNW. The swell we get is mostly from the north or NNE, so it’s not the ideal angle, and that hurts the shape, especially with the short period.

Water temp right now is 73°F – about normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

If you’re determined, the least bad window might be around the 23rd, but honestly, this setup with the strong onshore wind and short-period chop looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing. Don’t hold your breath; forecasts can change, but right now it’s a lean run.

Rusty.

Read more