Playa Varesse Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty, and I’m looking at the outlook for our little stretch of coast. We’ve got a quiet start, but a solid run of waves is shaping up for the end of the forecast period, so hang in there.

Right now, through the middle of August, it’s a bit of a write-off for quality surfing. The energy is weak to moderate, with the combined swell energy sitting around 868 (moderate) on Wednesday afternoon, but a cross-shore wind is making it messy. Thursday the 13th through to the start of the following week is basically a no-go. Winds are onshore or cross-onshore, and the swell is small and weak – you’re looking at heights from 1.0ft to 5ft, with periods mostly under 11 seconds. It’s choppy, bumpy, and just not worth paddling out for. There’s a brief window on Sunday afternoon the 16th where a light offshore wind from the SW cleans up a tiny 3ft easterly swell, but it’s barely surfable and more for a gentle cruise than any real stoke. The water temp is sitting at 50°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so at least you won’t freeze while you’re waiting for nothing.

Then we hit a dry spell through the middle of the week. Monday the 19th and Tuesday the 20th are flat as a tack, with swell energy dropping to 40 or less (weak). The wind is clean, but there’s no wave to ride. It’s a real patience tester.

Now, the payoff. Starting on Saturday the 22nd of August, the ocean wakes up. We’ve got a proper south swell rolling in, and it’s the standout of the whole outlook. Saturday morning you’ll see 8ft swell from the S, period of 10 seconds, with a light offshore wind from the WSW – that’s clean, powerful surf. The combined energy jumps to 1264 (strong), so there’s plenty of push. This is solid intermediate-to-advanced territory; beginners should sit this one out as it’s over 5ft. Saturday afternoon stays strong with 8ft and clean cross-off winds.

Sunday the 23rd is the crown jewel. Morning session is glassy – dead calm wind from the NW – with a 7ft south swell at 11 seconds. That’s long-period groundswell, which means better shape and energy, but it’ll be better on a point or reef break than a straight beach break. The energy is 1084 (strong). It’s going to be clean, powerful, and a true treat. Sunday afternoon gets bigger but trickier – 10ft from the SSE with a 14-second period (very long period) and a cross-on breeze. That’s only for experts, and the tide or shape might make it marginal.

Monday the 24th morning offers another good window: 6ft SSE swell, glassy conditions, period of 11 seconds. That’s a more manageable size for a confident intermediate, and the energy is 737 (moderate-strong). After that, the wind shifts onshore and the quality drops off again through the rest of the week. The swell fades, and by the 27th we’re back to weak, choppy conditions.

The only break we’ve got to talk about is Playa Varesse. It’s a consistent beginner-friendly spot, but when the swell is over 5ft it’s too much for learners. The optimum direction from the guidance is ESE, but the standouts are coming from the S and SSE. That’s a bit off-angle, but the quality of the swell and wind is making up for it. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so on those good days, expect company.

If you’re a kite surfer, the week of strong onshore winds and messy 3ft to 5ft waves might look fun, but for paddle surfing, you’re waiting for that Saturday-to-Monday window.

Overall, the first week and a half is a bust, but that final weekend and Monday are worth circling on the calendar. Promising, but you know how long-range forecasts can be. Keep an eye on it.

Rusty.

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