Tijuana Sloughs Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for Tijuana Sloughs. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, and you’re gonna have to be patient.

The overall pattern is a slow build into some moderate swell mid-week, but it’s never truly clean. The first week is plagued by cross-shore and cross-onshore winds that will keep things pretty chopped up. There’s a brief window early on the 4th, but it’s marginal.

Let’s start with Friday, September 4th. Morning looks the pick of the first few days, with a 4ft SW groundswell, a very long 17-second period, and light onshore winds. The water temp is about average for this time of year. That long period will bring some proper energy, with a combined swell energy of 656 (moderate), but those waves will be fat and cleanest on the sets. The offshore wind is from the east, which is ideal for this spot. It’s a river mouth, so it won’t be perfect, but it’s the best you’ll get before the wind picks up. By afternoon, wind swings WNW and it gets onshore and messy.

Through the weekend, a south-southwest swell builds. Saturday morning sees 4ft at 13 seconds from the south but with a cross-on breeze, it’s already not looking great. The energy jumps to 1171 (moderate) by Sunday morning, with 8ft from the SSW at 14 seconds – that’s a lot of water, but a 12 mph north wind will be cross-shore, making it lumpy. This is a break best left for the experts on Sunday, as 8ft is pushing over 8ft for the real big stuff, and the quality is marginal due to the wind.

Monday September 7th holds solid swell, around 7ft to 7ft from the SSW, but the cross-on wind from the NW sticks around. The energy is still strong, hitting 1667 on Monday morning, but it’s a constant battle with the chop. If you’re a solid surfer who doesn’t mind a bit of texture, the mornings are the least windy, but don’t expect perfection.

Then the drop off. From the middle of Tuesday the 8th, the swell fades fast, and from Wednesday the 9th onward, we’re into poor to marginal conditions for over a week. There’s a solid run of days, from the 11th all the way through the 17th, where the surf is just too small and weak to bother. Swells drop to 2ft to 3ft, with very long periods (15 to 22 seconds) but low energy, under 450 (weak). The water’s still the same temp, but you’ll be waiting forever for a closeout foamy.

Finally, a glimmer on the horizon. By Saturday September 19th, we get a light onshore breeze, 3ft from the SW with an 18-second period and energy of 635. It’s still marginal, but it’s the first sign of life in over a week. Keep an eye on the long-range for that one.

The true standout? There isn’t a proper stand-out. If I had to pin one down, it’s Friday September 4th morning at Tijuana Sloughs. The 4ft of SW groundswell with a 17-second period and a clean morning from a light west wind gives the best chance at a fun, if small, session. It’s an exposed spot, so you get the juice, but the crowds are possible there. The water temp is unremarkable for the season.

For the rest of the run, you’re gambling on the wind. The combined energy peaks on Sunday morning at 1890 (very strong), but the quality is poor because of the cross-shore breeze. It’s not the best setup for a paddle board, but if the wind holds, it could be interesting for the kite crew.

Rusty.

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