Thursday is looking playful…and probably fun on the right tide. The SW swell that started to arrive on Wednesday actually came in a little punchier than I thought it would so there is some ok size and consistency.
It is fairly SW in swell angle which means that Catalina and San Clemente Islands block the swell from North OC and the Channel Islands block the swell from a lot of Ventura and Santa Barbara. You will find the biggest surf if you hunt around South OC and most of San Diego. There is also some NW energy out in the water as well so the more exposed beach breaks should be fun as well as the points and reefs that like the SW swell.
Since North OC is my main stomping ground I will probably look for some waves somewhere south of HB. Winds and tides should be ok in the morning…so go hunt around at the exposed breaks…you should be able to find a couple of workable peaks tomorrow.
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Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Wednesday's Forecasts are posted
Wednesday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Thursday) have been posted. Eat lots of candy tonight!
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Strong late-season SW swell for Nov 6-8th
The South Pacific has managed to crank out a strong late season storm…and that storm, while partially shadowed by Tahiti and the South Pacific islands, looks like it will send a decent-sized swell to breaks from SoCal to Central America.
Look for this swell to start arriving slowly on the 6th…but really peaking on the 7th and into the 8th (yeah happy birthday to me!).
You can see that the storm has nearly 40-foot seas cranking in the key portions of fetch aimed towards us. Based on this chart, and some of the other forecast charts that I look at, I am expecting a decent round of overhead+ surf at the top SW facing spots.
Keep checking back…I will post some more details on this one as we closer to the swell arriving.
Look for this swell to start arriving slowly on the 6th…but really peaking on the 7th and into the 8th (yeah happy birthday to me!).
You can see that the storm has nearly 40-foot seas cranking in the key portions of fetch aimed towards us. Based on this chart, and some of the other forecast charts that I look at, I am expecting a decent round of overhead+ surf at the top SW facing spots.
Keep checking back…I will post some more details on this one as we closer to the swell arriving.
Surfing on Wednesday
Surfwise Wednesday looks a little better than Tuesday. Don’t get me wrong it still won’t be great…but at least we will have more swell energy in the water, tides will be lower in the morning, and winds should be light and variable for the dawn patrol.
In general I am still expecting the surf to be on the playful side with the biggest and best waves showing at the well exposed beach breaks through OC, San Diego, a few parts of Southern Ventura and the South Bay. I would bring gear that is more suited to small waves but could still pick off a section if you get a set wave. It should be a fun morning if you are still learning to surf or aren’t into big waves.
Personally I think it will be a “check the cam” morning unless you live close to the beach (you know like you can see it from your window or drive past it on your way to work, or something like that).
In general I am still expecting the surf to be on the playful side with the biggest and best waves showing at the well exposed beach breaks through OC, San Diego, a few parts of Southern Ventura and the South Bay. I would bring gear that is more suited to small waves but could still pick off a section if you get a set wave. It should be a fun morning if you are still learning to surf or aren’t into big waves.
Personally I think it will be a “check the cam” morning unless you live close to the beach (you know like you can see it from your window or drive past it on your way to work, or something like that).
Tuesday's forecasts are posted
Tuesday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Wednesday) have been posted.
No large swells expected this week but there should be plenty of playful sized pulses from both the WNW and the SW. Looks like there will be a bigger SW'er on tap for around the 6-8th of November. I will be putting more details together on that one soon :)
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
No large swells expected this week but there should be plenty of playful sized pulses from both the WNW and the SW. Looks like there will be a bigger SW'er on tap for around the 6-8th of November. I will be putting more details together on that one soon :)
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Monday, October 29, 2007
Surfing on Tuesday
I think Tuesday is going to be one of those “wait and see” mornings.
Overall weather is looking a little unstable. There is a cold front pushing down the coast and while it is expected to weaken as it moves into SoCal, it will likely destabilize the wind pattern. I think we will have some morning NW wind texture showing at the exposed breaks…and if it isn’t coming out of the NW the winds will likely eddy back and come in out of the SW, which is just as bad for most breaks.
Add to that the mix of windswell, and small southern hemi pulses, isn’t particularly strong. I think the surf will have a hard time powering through the higher morning tide.
So Tuesday is showing the potential for slow, soft, and possibly crumbly surf…not really something that I am going to shoot out of bed for in the morning. Personally I will check the cams for the dawn patrol…if it looks like we may have hit a little window of halfway decent surf I may drive down to check it in person, but I am not holding my breath.
Overall weather is looking a little unstable. There is a cold front pushing down the coast and while it is expected to weaken as it moves into SoCal, it will likely destabilize the wind pattern. I think we will have some morning NW wind texture showing at the exposed breaks…and if it isn’t coming out of the NW the winds will likely eddy back and come in out of the SW, which is just as bad for most breaks.
Add to that the mix of windswell, and small southern hemi pulses, isn’t particularly strong. I think the surf will have a hard time powering through the higher morning tide.
So Tuesday is showing the potential for slow, soft, and possibly crumbly surf…not really something that I am going to shoot out of bed for in the morning. Personally I will check the cams for the dawn patrol…if it looks like we may have hit a little window of halfway decent surf I may drive down to check it in person, but I am not holding my breath.
Monday's forecasts are up.
Monday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Tuesday) have been posted.
No large swells expected this week but there should be plenty of playful sized pulses from both the WNW and the SW.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
No large swells expected this week but there should be plenty of playful sized pulses from both the WNW and the SW.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Friday, October 26, 2007
Surfing over the weekend (the eddy returns)
Saturday is looking only OK…there will be a bit of an eddy, which means light S-SW winds in the morning very similar to what we saw on Friday. We also have another high-tide coming through mid-morning which is going to shut down a lot of spots.
If you get up early to surf you will likely find slow and crumbly surf at most breaks. It won’t be totally blown out but personally after the surf we had earlier this week it is going to look pretty dismal.
I do think there will be a couple of pockets here and there. The best looking (best looking being a relative term) spots will be breaks that can handle the mix of high morning tide, S-SW winds, and predominately W-NW short-period swell. I can actually think of several spots in all of the different SoCal regions that might be worth checking. I don’t like to name spots in forecasts (hahaha I mean what if it is my home break? Or worse your home break?)…but if you pull out a map they should be pretty easy to find. (Think South Ventura, the LA South Bay, Mid-South OC, and Mid San Diego).
Sunday is looking a little better. Winds are expected to be lighter…and the highest part of the tide moves a little further toward midday. We also will have a mix of new S swell and holding windswell so most spots will have some sort of waves on the better parts of the tide. Conditions are a little unstable so I would probably check the cams in the morning before driving a considerable distance.
Next update will be on Monday…have a great weekend!
If you get up early to surf you will likely find slow and crumbly surf at most breaks. It won’t be totally blown out but personally after the surf we had earlier this week it is going to look pretty dismal.
I do think there will be a couple of pockets here and there. The best looking (best looking being a relative term) spots will be breaks that can handle the mix of high morning tide, S-SW winds, and predominately W-NW short-period swell. I can actually think of several spots in all of the different SoCal regions that might be worth checking. I don’t like to name spots in forecasts (hahaha I mean what if it is my home break? Or worse your home break?)…but if you pull out a map they should be pretty easy to find. (Think South Ventura, the LA South Bay, Mid-South OC, and Mid San Diego).
Sunday is looking a little better. Winds are expected to be lighter…and the highest part of the tide moves a little further toward midday. We also will have a mix of new S swell and holding windswell so most spots will have some sort of waves on the better parts of the tide. Conditions are a little unstable so I would probably check the cams in the morning before driving a considerable distance.
Next update will be on Monday…have a great weekend!
Forecasts for the weekend are posted
Friday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Saturday and Sunday) have been posted. Go away high tides!
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Surfing on Friday (Morning high tide swamptastic!)
Friday will see mostly small and leftover swells. We will have a holding but weak WNW swell and fading S-SW energy still hanging on from earlier in the week. The real killer though will be the 6.8’ high tide that rolls through around 9:30am. That tide is pretty much going to swamp out most breaks…maybe a few really good sandbars and reefs will work but it looks like lots of slow and rolly surf on tap through the morning.
Unless you live near a break that likes the high tide I would probably skip the dawn patrol, which is likely to be a lesson in frustration. If you absolutely do have to surf in the morning get there early and make sure to bring a board, like a longboard or fish, that can help you get into soft surf.
Personally I will probably sleep in and then try and not get pwn’d on Halo3, which is usually the case.
(Fear the purple tinted armor...)
Unless you live near a break that likes the high tide I would probably skip the dawn patrol, which is likely to be a lesson in frustration. If you absolutely do have to surf in the morning get there early and make sure to bring a board, like a longboard or fish, that can help you get into soft surf.
Personally I will probably sleep in and then try and not get pwn’d on Halo3, which is usually the case.
(Fear the purple tinted armor...)
Thursday's forecasts are up
Thursday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Friday) have been posted. Now with more details on the weekend! Hmmm extra crunchy...my favorite!
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thursday’s Surf: Clean and Fun
While Thursday won’t be as big (or as windy) as it was earlier in the week, it should still be plenty of fun. Our S-SW swell will be dropping but a small reinforcement from the WNW will move in to help prop up waves at the winter spots. Conditions are forecast to be clean with light-variable winds on tap for most of the day with slight onshore texture in the afternoon.
It will be surfable for the dawn patrol but we have a pretty high tide coming through right in the middle of the morning which could swamp out many spots. If you are surfing early look for a break that likes a little more water, most points will be working along with high tide reefs, or good sandbars. Overall it should be fun, nothing super critical, but if you catch it on the right tide there could be some playful sections.
Personally I will be heading out in the morning and will probably take along a friend who is still learning. I figure that with the dropping, but still fun, swell and tide swamp there should be something for both of us to ride.
It will be surfable for the dawn patrol but we have a pretty high tide coming through right in the middle of the morning which could swamp out many spots. If you are surfing early look for a break that likes a little more water, most points will be working along with high tide reefs, or good sandbars. Overall it should be fun, nothing super critical, but if you catch it on the right tide there could be some playful sections.
Personally I will be heading out in the morning and will probably take along a friend who is still learning. I figure that with the dropping, but still fun, swell and tide swamp there should be something for both of us to ride.
Wednesday's forecasts are posted
Wednesday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Thursday) have been posted.
Not much change in the forecast from yesterday...the long-range forecast models are all saying different things so I am not putting a lot of faith in them right now.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Not much change in the forecast from yesterday...the long-range forecast models are all saying different things so I am not putting a lot of faith in them right now.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Surfing on Wednesday
Wednesday the swell mix will continue to back down. It looks like it will start to be small enough that the higher tides will start make a considerable difference in shape and power. S-SW swell will continue to be the stronger swell but there should be a few rideable waves at WNW spots on the lower tides.
Conditions look really good for Wednesday, particularly through OC and San Diego, winds are expected to remain light to light-offshore through most of the morning with some light onshore texture right before sundown.
While not as big as it has been the combo of lighter winds and playful sized swell should be fun at most spots…though I think the S facing points/reefs (and really good sandbars) will have the best shape on the lower tides.
If you can I would think that surfing during lunch would be a good call…if you can’t swing a lunch session then plan on hitting a spot that can handle the higher morning tide.
Conditions look really good for Wednesday, particularly through OC and San Diego, winds are expected to remain light to light-offshore through most of the morning with some light onshore texture right before sundown.
While not as big as it has been the combo of lighter winds and playful sized swell should be fun at most spots…though I think the S facing points/reefs (and really good sandbars) will have the best shape on the lower tides.
If you can I would think that surfing during lunch would be a good call…if you can’t swing a lunch session then plan on hitting a spot that can handle the higher morning tide.
Tuesday's Forecasts are posted...
Tuesday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Wednesday) have been posted.
Wave heights are fading over the next few days...make sure to get some surf before it goes.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Wave heights are fading over the next few days...make sure to get some surf before it goes.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Monday, October 22, 2007
Surfing on Tuesday (go away Devil Winds!)
Ok Santa Ana’s make for some pretty good-looking surf, but as usual you can have too much of a good thing. The super strong offshore winds we had here on Monday were a good example.
I went out for a lunch session and the wind was so strong that it was nearly impossible to get over the lip. (Granted once you managed to get over the lip it was remarkably hollow and makeable but that was few and far between). Eventually the combo of getting blasted by the wind, grit, & ash and the now cool water temps (and perceived wind-chill) did me in. If the wind had been about 10 or 15 knots lighter it would have been a whole different session.
Tuesday is looking better and a bit more managable from the wind/conditions standpoint. The mix of WNW and SW swells will be dropping but still showing plenty of energy at the combo breaks. The winds are expected to shift a little more to the N (instead of NE) and slow down to about 10-15 knots along the beach. I think you will still get some strong gusts near passes and canyons but the more open areas will be a little less wind blown.
Surfwise I still think the combo beach breaks will be pretty fun…but with less WNW swell in the water it will be a little more lined up. There is enough SW energy that exposed points/reefs will connect through sections…throw in some more (and hopefully lighter) offshore winds and Tuesday could be pretty fun for most of SoCal.
I went out for a lunch session and the wind was so strong that it was nearly impossible to get over the lip. (Granted once you managed to get over the lip it was remarkably hollow and makeable but that was few and far between). Eventually the combo of getting blasted by the wind, grit, & ash and the now cool water temps (and perceived wind-chill) did me in. If the wind had been about 10 or 15 knots lighter it would have been a whole different session.
Tuesday is looking better and a bit more managable from the wind/conditions standpoint. The mix of WNW and SW swells will be dropping but still showing plenty of energy at the combo breaks. The winds are expected to shift a little more to the N (instead of NE) and slow down to about 10-15 knots along the beach. I think you will still get some strong gusts near passes and canyons but the more open areas will be a little less wind blown.
Surfwise I still think the combo beach breaks will be pretty fun…but with less WNW swell in the water it will be a little more lined up. There is enough SW energy that exposed points/reefs will connect through sections…throw in some more (and hopefully lighter) offshore winds and Tuesday could be pretty fun for most of SoCal.
Sunday's Surf
Some photos from Sunday (10/21). As you can see it was pretty good. Big thanks to my friend Brian for letting me use his photos.
Monday's forecasts are posted
Monday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Tuesday) have been posted. Wave heights are fading over the next few days...make sure to get some surf before it goes.
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Friday, October 19, 2007
Finding Surf this weekend
Saturday
There will be plenty of waves on Saturday…both of our new SW and WNW swells will mix together with the energy that we got at the end of the work week. Expect plenty of size in the morning with more arriving through the afternoon.
There will be a weak cold front moving through the area which could set up some onshore texture in the morning. LA/Ventura areas are expected to have light N winds while OC and SD will have light W winds. Onshore flow is expected to be stronger by the afternoon.
With conditions being a little shaky on Saturday I would get on it early and probably head to a more protected area…you may be giving up a little size on the surf but protection from the wind will be nice. If winds are really light when you wake up it may be a good time to hunt around. Expect the biggest surf to be in San Diego with North OC, the South Bay, and Southern Ventura all seeing respectable size as well.
Sunday
Sunday is looking to be the best day of the weekend. The swell mix will be peaking and winds are expected to go offshore out of the NE.
Since we have the overlap of SW and WNW swell there will be surf at pretty much all exposed areas. Again the surf will be the biggest in San Diego but you will be able to score waves pretty much anywhere (combo breaks will be probably be the most fun). Another good thing about Sunday is that winds are expected to stay out of the NE for most of the day…that means you don’t have to get up super early to get clean conditions.
Personally I love days like this one…I will probably be out surfing until I can’t paddle anymore.
See you guys in the water…have a great weekend!
There will be plenty of waves on Saturday…both of our new SW and WNW swells will mix together with the energy that we got at the end of the work week. Expect plenty of size in the morning with more arriving through the afternoon.
There will be a weak cold front moving through the area which could set up some onshore texture in the morning. LA/Ventura areas are expected to have light N winds while OC and SD will have light W winds. Onshore flow is expected to be stronger by the afternoon.
With conditions being a little shaky on Saturday I would get on it early and probably head to a more protected area…you may be giving up a little size on the surf but protection from the wind will be nice. If winds are really light when you wake up it may be a good time to hunt around. Expect the biggest surf to be in San Diego with North OC, the South Bay, and Southern Ventura all seeing respectable size as well.
Sunday
Sunday is looking to be the best day of the weekend. The swell mix will be peaking and winds are expected to go offshore out of the NE.
Since we have the overlap of SW and WNW swell there will be surf at pretty much all exposed areas. Again the surf will be the biggest in San Diego but you will be able to score waves pretty much anywhere (combo breaks will be probably be the most fun). Another good thing about Sunday is that winds are expected to stay out of the NE for most of the day…that means you don’t have to get up super early to get clean conditions.
Personally I love days like this one…I will probably be out surfing until I can’t paddle anymore.
See you guys in the water…have a great weekend!
Friday's Forecasts are posted!
Friday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Saturday and Sunday) have been posted.
There is a lot of swell lining up for the weekend...Sunday is looking good.
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
There is a lot of swell lining up for the weekend...Sunday is looking good.
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Surfing on Friday
Friday will be a surf day…and sort of a waiting day as well. We will have waves but it sort of feels like you are stalling for time waiting for the swell and conditions that are expected over the weekend.
On Friday we will have a fun mix of S-SW swell, steep NW energy, and local windswell that will have waves showing at most beaches throughout SoCal. Best spots will likely be breaks that can pick up the combo of swells and handle the higher tide that fills in through midday. Conditions will be clean early in the morning as well…but expect building onshore flow by the afternoon.
Personally I will be heading down to the local combo beach break to see if I can pick off a few during the dawn patrol. I am a little torn if I should bring the longboard…or chance sitting through some small ones on my shortboard. I will probably let the buoys help me decide in the morning…
On Friday we will have a fun mix of S-SW swell, steep NW energy, and local windswell that will have waves showing at most beaches throughout SoCal. Best spots will likely be breaks that can pick up the combo of swells and handle the higher tide that fills in through midday. Conditions will be clean early in the morning as well…but expect building onshore flow by the afternoon.
Personally I will be heading down to the local combo beach break to see if I can pick off a few during the dawn patrol. I am a little torn if I should bring the longboard…or chance sitting through some small ones on my shortboard. I will probably let the buoys help me decide in the morning…
Thursday's Forecasts are posted!
Thursday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Friday) have been posted. There is a lot of swell lining up for the weekend...Sunday is looking good.
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Why Sunday (10/21) will be good (or AKA) let’s take a ride on the hype machine.
Sorry if this is jumping on the hype machine a little early for some of you…I’ll try and help keep it in perspective.
Sunday is looking fun, not earth-dismantling, tow-in, condition-black or anything…but it looks like it could be really consistent, with decent size, and with good conditions.
We have the trifecta of swells and conditions that sometimes line up and create those great fall days.
#1 – We have a good sized WNW swell pushing in over the weekend. Enough energy and a good enough swell angle to push it past Point Conception and into the more shadowed areas of SoCal. The winter and the combo spots will get waves from this one.
#2 – We also have a good S-SW swell (195-205) that arrives over the weekend as well. It also has a good angle, so most areas will be exposed. S facing spots from Southern Ventura through San Diego will be able to pick it up. It should also do a good job breaking up the WNW’er at the more exposed combo breaks.
#3 – (and this is the most suspect right now) There is a chance at offshore conditions through the morning/afternoon. Forecasts are saying that winds will be out of the N-NE through the morning…maybe it will develop into a more significant Santa Ana scenario. Keep your fingers crossed.
Sunday is looking fun, not earth-dismantling, tow-in, condition-black or anything…but it looks like it could be really consistent, with decent size, and with good conditions.
We have the trifecta of swells and conditions that sometimes line up and create those great fall days.
#1 – We have a good sized WNW swell pushing in over the weekend. Enough energy and a good enough swell angle to push it past Point Conception and into the more shadowed areas of SoCal. The winter and the combo spots will get waves from this one.
#2 – We also have a good S-SW swell (195-205) that arrives over the weekend as well. It also has a good angle, so most areas will be exposed. S facing spots from Southern Ventura through San Diego will be able to pick it up. It should also do a good job breaking up the WNW’er at the more exposed combo breaks.
#3 – (and this is the most suspect right now) There is a chance at offshore conditions through the morning/afternoon. Forecasts are saying that winds will be out of the N-NE through the morning…maybe it will develop into a more significant Santa Ana scenario. Keep your fingers crossed.
Surfing on Thursday
Thursday will be cleaner than Wednesday since winds are expected to be lighter through the morning. Our swell, which is mostly windswell, will be backing down but there should be a few rideable ones for the dawn patrol.
I would look to find the most surfable waves at breaks that work well on windswell, and can handle the building morning tide. Plan on using your small-wave board, or longboard, since there won’t be a lot of oomph to the surf. Try to get on it a little early as well…the combo of higher afternoon tide and building winds will shut it down toward the afternoon.
I would look to find the most surfable waves at breaks that work well on windswell, and can handle the building morning tide. Plan on using your small-wave board, or longboard, since there won’t be a lot of oomph to the surf. Try to get on it a little early as well…the combo of higher afternoon tide and building winds will shut it down toward the afternoon.
Wednesday's Forecasts are posted
Wednesday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Thursday) have been posted. There is a lot of swell lining up for the weekend...better check it out.
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Wednesday’s Surf
Wednesday is not looking very clean. We will have waves thanks to the mix of local windswell and background NW/SW that is still out there but W winds are expected to be blowing early and will continue to strengthen as we head into the afternoon.
Like Tuesday the windswell driven surf will lack push, and will likely be a bit crumbly and slow thanks to the onshore winds. The other swells in the background won’t add much to the mix either.
I would suggest another sort of “wait and see” dawn patrol on Wednesday. If you live close to the beach, and the wind doesn’t seem to strong in the morning, go take a look at it….there may be a longboard or a fish session hiding out at one of the more exposed beach breaks. If you don’t live close to the beach…well…it doesn’t look like it will be worth driving very far.
Like Tuesday the windswell driven surf will lack push, and will likely be a bit crumbly and slow thanks to the onshore winds. The other swells in the background won’t add much to the mix either.
I would suggest another sort of “wait and see” dawn patrol on Wednesday. If you live close to the beach, and the wind doesn’t seem to strong in the morning, go take a look at it….there may be a longboard or a fish session hiding out at one of the more exposed beach breaks. If you don’t live close to the beach…well…it doesn’t look like it will be worth driving very far.
Tropical Storm Kiko
TS Kiko finally strengthened into the tropical storm level this morning. The storm is nearly stationary about 500 miles SSE of the Tip of Baja. At this point the storm is not in the SoCal swell window. So no waves expected for us from this one…at least based on today’s forecast.
Looking at the Sat Photo you can see that there is some good rotation in the storm…but that the strongest winds are across the NE and NW quadrants, which means the majority of swell will be heading out toward the west.
Kiko is forecast to hang around for a couple of days before weakening. It is not expected to become a hurricane at this time.
Surfwise the Tip of Baja will see some waves from this but it probably won’t be all that big…better than nothing…but not too exciting. Make sure to check out the Baja Forecast on wavewatch.com for more details.
Looking at the Sat Photo you can see that there is some good rotation in the storm…but that the strongest winds are across the NE and NW quadrants, which means the majority of swell will be heading out toward the west.
Kiko is forecast to hang around for a couple of days before weakening. It is not expected to become a hurricane at this time.
Surfwise the Tip of Baja will see some waves from this but it probably won’t be all that big…better than nothing…but not too exciting. Make sure to check out the Baja Forecast on wavewatch.com for more details.
Tuesday's forecasts are updated
Tuesday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Wednesday) have been posted. There is more WNW swell lining up for the upcoming weekend so make sure to check them out.
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Monday, October 15, 2007
Surfing on Tuesday
Tuesday’s surf is looking a little suspect. The longer-period NW and SW swells will be fading out while local windswell fills in. Conditions are on the shady side as well. SW-W winds 10-15 knots are expected through most of the region through the morning, and they are expected to hold through the afternoon.
Personally I am planning on going to the gym, walking the dog, or sleeping in…nothing about Tuesday’s surf has me motivated to struggle into a wetsuit. That being said I will probably check the cams in the morning just to see if a little pocket of cleanliness manages to sneak through during the dawn patrol.
For those of you that absolutely have to surf I would check local breaks that may have some protection from the wind. Biggest waves will likely be in the San Diego area, while the cleanest spots will be up in the protected areas of SB, Ventura, and Northern LA County.
Further out more NW swell and cleaner conditions are lining up for later this week.
Personally I am planning on going to the gym, walking the dog, or sleeping in…nothing about Tuesday’s surf has me motivated to struggle into a wetsuit. That being said I will probably check the cams in the morning just to see if a little pocket of cleanliness manages to sneak through during the dawn patrol.
For those of you that absolutely have to surf I would check local breaks that may have some protection from the wind. Biggest waves will likely be in the San Diego area, while the cleanest spots will be up in the protected areas of SB, Ventura, and Northern LA County.
Further out more NW swell and cleaner conditions are lining up for later this week.
Monday's Surf Forecasts are posted!
Monday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Tuesday) have been posted.
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Man these are up early :)
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Man these are up early :)
Friday, October 12, 2007
Tips for the weekend.
This weekend is looking surfable though neither the swell nor the weather are looking very exciting.
On Saturday I am expecting mostly clean conditions in the morning but with some onshore texture...if not downright morning sickness...on some of the more exposed breaks. Surfwise there will be leftover WNW swell in the water as well as some very inconsistent SW swell. Like I said above...not very exciting. Sunday will be better. Conditions will be cleaner and there will be a touch more NW and SW swell. Again nothing to pop a blood vessel over but more fun than Saturday.
Really the San Diego and Ventura areas will be the most exposed to these swells but neither will be worth driving very far to actually surf.
Personally I will be checking the cams in the morning...just to see if it is even worth the effort. Realistically, because I live in OC, I will probably be rolling the longboard down to the local beachbreak if the wind holds off through mid-morning.
Long-range forecasts in the NPAC (North Pacific for those of you that don't speak acronym) is looking pretty interesting. There are a couple of strong looking systems under the Aleutian Islands that may push into our swell window early next week...setting up waves for later in the week. Check out the satellite image, and keep your fingers crossed.
Next update will likely be on Mon Oct 15th...but if you sign up for the email version of this it will send you the posts as I publish them.
On Saturday I am expecting mostly clean conditions in the morning but with some onshore texture...if not downright morning sickness...on some of the more exposed breaks. Surfwise there will be leftover WNW swell in the water as well as some very inconsistent SW swell. Like I said above...not very exciting. Sunday will be better. Conditions will be cleaner and there will be a touch more NW and SW swell. Again nothing to pop a blood vessel over but more fun than Saturday.
Really the San Diego and Ventura areas will be the most exposed to these swells but neither will be worth driving very far to actually surf.
Personally I will be checking the cams in the morning...just to see if it is even worth the effort. Realistically, because I live in OC, I will probably be rolling the longboard down to the local beachbreak if the wind holds off through mid-morning.
Long-range forecasts in the NPAC (North Pacific for those of you that don't speak acronym) is looking pretty interesting. There are a couple of strong looking systems under the Aleutian Islands that may push into our swell window early next week...setting up waves for later in the week. Check out the satellite image, and keep your fingers crossed.
Next update will likely be on Mon Oct 15th...but if you sign up for the email version of this it will send you the posts as I publish them.
Weekend forecasts are posted!
Friday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Saturday and Sunday) have been posted. Next forecast update will be on Monday Oct 15th.
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Here are the links to go directly to the forecast regions:
Santa Barbara / Ventura
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Friday's surf
On Friday our WNW wind/ground swell combo will be fading pretty fast. There should be plenty of surf still showing at the exposed breaks but expect wave heights to back off quick as we head through midday and into the afternoon.
A cold front is expected to drop through the area on Friday as well, which will likely screw up conditions as it moves through.
Fortunately these little fronts are notorious stallers so we probably won't see junky winds until the evening...I imagine that we will have mostly variable winds for the dawn-patrol (some onshore texture at times at the more exposed breaks) so it will be a surfable morning.
Your best bet for waves will be at spots that can break up the swell a bit. (I checked it on Thursday at a beach break and it was a lot more lined up and wally than I was expecting, which was disappointing.) W facing points and reefs, particularly in San Deigo and Ventura, will have the best shape and size on Friday. If you live close it should be worth a check...though I would probably look at the cameras and the winds before driving too far.
A cold front is expected to drop through the area on Friday as well, which will likely screw up conditions as it moves through.
Fortunately these little fronts are notorious stallers so we probably won't see junky winds until the evening...I imagine that we will have mostly variable winds for the dawn-patrol (some onshore texture at times at the more exposed breaks) so it will be a surfable morning.
Your best bet for waves will be at spots that can break up the swell a bit. (I checked it on Thursday at a beach break and it was a lot more lined up and wally than I was expecting, which was disappointing.) W facing points and reefs, particularly in San Deigo and Ventura, will have the best shape and size on Friday. If you live close it should be worth a check...though I would probably look at the cameras and the winds before driving too far.
Friday's forecasts are up...
Thursday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Friday) have been posted.
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Go to www.wavewatch.com to read the latest update.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Surfing on Thursday - New WNW swell
The W-WNW swell (280-300+) is filling in nicely on the buoys this evening. (See image)
As you can see a lot of the swell energy is above 300+ degrees and so is being blocked by Point Conception. (The outer buoys are a bit more exposed which is why they are bigger).
Still we should have plenty of waves at W facing beaches on Thursday...the shorter period of the swell will make things interesting as well as it helps the more obscure storm-swell breaks to start working.
Winds look like they may be on it pretty early tomorrow...so try and pick a break that can handle a little onshore flow. It will likely be pretty blown out by the afternoon.
Personally I will be up and checking it early...and if the wind looks good at my house I will head down to the local beach break...not because it will be better than other spots but in the interest of time.
Cross your fingers that the morning winds stay light.
Thursday's Forecast
Wednesday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Thursday) have been posted.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Incoming WNW swell
Well our first real W-WNW swell of the season is fast approaching. Already we are seeing wave heights on the outer water buoys starting to increase and it looks like the swell should be showing strong in NorCal and Central Cal by early Wednesday.
SoCal will get plenty of waves from this one too...though I expect that Santa Barbara and Ventura will be starting to pick up energy through mid-morning on Wednesday while the rest of SoCal has to wait until the afternoon. Really the bulk of the swell will arrive on Thursday for most areas...particularly the good spots in San Diego.
From a surf standpoint I think this swell should have enough energy that most W-NW facing breaks should be pretty fun. Where to surf will be dependent on what type of wave you are looking to ride. Point waves may be a little broken up and not connecting the way a longer-period swell would, but reefs and beach breaks will likely be fun because of it.
So like I said, look for a slow start in the morning on Wednesday but expect building wave heights through the afternoon and into Thursday.
SoCal will get plenty of waves from this one too...though I expect that Santa Barbara and Ventura will be starting to pick up energy through mid-morning on Wednesday while the rest of SoCal has to wait until the afternoon. Really the bulk of the swell will arrive on Thursday for most areas...particularly the good spots in San Diego.
From a surf standpoint I think this swell should have enough energy that most W-NW facing breaks should be pretty fun. Where to surf will be dependent on what type of wave you are looking to ride. Point waves may be a little broken up and not connecting the way a longer-period swell would, but reefs and beach breaks will likely be fun because of it.
So like I said, look for a slow start in the morning on Wednesday but expect building wave heights through the afternoon and into Thursday.
Forecast for Wednesday
Tuesday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Wednesday) have been posted.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Small and Clean
Thanks to the fading mix of SW swell and backing off windswell it looks like Tuesday is going to be pretty small.
Conditions will be clean but the combo of weak surf and the higher morning tides will keep the waves soft and slow.
If you have to surf on Tuesday look for a well exposed beach break and bring your longboard (if you are a big guy like me) or a really good small wave fish (if you weigh like 90 lbs and are made out of rubber).
Things are looking up later this week...new storms in the North Pacific could line up some W-WNW swell as we head toward Thursday and Friday!
Conditions will be clean but the combo of weak surf and the higher morning tides will keep the waves soft and slow.
If you have to surf on Tuesday look for a well exposed beach break and bring your longboard (if you are a big guy like me) or a really good small wave fish (if you weigh like 90 lbs and are made out of rubber).
Things are looking up later this week...new storms in the North Pacific could line up some W-WNW swell as we head toward Thursday and Friday!
Surf Forecast for Tuesday
Monday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Tuesday) have been posted.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Get some surf this weekend...
Saturday and Sunday look like they could be more fun than forecasts were originally predicting.
Winds are expected to lay down fast late on Friday night and it looks like light to possibly even light-offshore winds could set up early on Saturday.
Since the W windswell will be up and a new small SW swell will be moving in as well...I would look for the best surf at spots that can pull in the combo of swells...particularly breaks that may have a little protection from leftover morning sickness. Beach breaks with jetties or piers will likely be pretty fun.
One thing to watch out for is cold water...all the wind will have set up some chilly upwelling.
Have a good weekend...I'll probably see you in the water.
Winds are expected to lay down fast late on Friday night and it looks like light to possibly even light-offshore winds could set up early on Saturday.
Since the W windswell will be up and a new small SW swell will be moving in as well...I would look for the best surf at spots that can pull in the combo of swells...particularly breaks that may have a little protection from leftover morning sickness. Beach breaks with jetties or piers will likely be pretty fun.
One thing to watch out for is cold water...all the wind will have set up some chilly upwelling.
Have a good weekend...I'll probably see you in the water.
Surf Forecast for Saturday
Friday's SoCal Surf Forecasts (for Saturday) have been posted.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Surfing on Thursday (Wednesday's forecast tips)
So…if you read my forecast over on Wavewatch.com you know that the forecast for Thursday looks a lot like Wednesday’s forecast.
I think the mix of swells (SW, steep NW, and local windswell) will continue to keep things playful. Really it is the combo of SW and windswell that is doing most of the wave-making…the NW’er is just too steeply angled to send in much energy…so I would concentrate on spots, particularly beach breaks, that have better exposure to the SW swell. Conditions look good, so expect a clean morning, but plan on brining a board that can handle smaller, inconsistent surf.
I think the mix of swells (SW, steep NW, and local windswell) will continue to keep things playful. Really it is the combo of SW and windswell that is doing most of the wave-making…the NW’er is just too steeply angled to send in much energy…so I would concentrate on spots, particularly beach breaks, that have better exposure to the SW swell. Conditions look good, so expect a clean morning, but plan on brining a board that can handle smaller, inconsistent surf.
Wednesday's Forecasts
Wednesday's SoCal Surf Forecasts have been posted.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Tuesday's Forecast Tips
Despite some impressive NW swell wave heights showing on the wave models it looks like SoCal will have fairly small surf for the next couple of days.
The models are showing some significant NW energy but most of it is coming in from a very steep NW angle and will be blocked by Point Conception and, to a lesser degree, the nearshore islands.
I do expect some NW swell to leak through and mix with our small SW swell and weak tropical SE swell so there will be some waves...just nothing to get super excited about.
Personally I will probably check the cams on Wednesday morning, particularly the breaks that can pick up a mix of SW and NW swell. With the cool morning temps and mostly small surf I am probably going to find it hard to motivate.
The models are showing some significant NW energy but most of it is coming in from a very steep NW angle and will be blocked by Point Conception and, to a lesser degree, the nearshore islands.
I do expect some NW swell to leak through and mix with our small SW swell and weak tropical SE swell so there will be some waves...just nothing to get super excited about.
Personally I will probably check the cams on Wednesday morning, particularly the breaks that can pick up a mix of SW and NW swell. With the cool morning temps and mostly small surf I am probably going to find it hard to motivate.
Tuesday's Forecasts
Tuesday's SoCal Surf Forecasts have been posted.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Go to http://www.wavewatch.com/ to read the latest update.
Up an Running
Hey gang! Since this is my very first post I thought I would use the space to give you an idea of what this blog is going to be about.
I won't be posting full forecasts here...if you need the current surf forecast for Southern California (or anywhere else in the world) you should head over to www.wavewatch.com. My daily SoCal forecast is posted right here Wavewatch.com's Orange County Surf Forecast (you can find the LA, Ventura/SB, and San Deigo ones there as well). I will however create some quick posts to let you know when I have updated the forecast on wavewatch.com.
If you are a fan of surf forecasts in general you know that they get real dry real fast thanks to information overload. Even my friends and family stop reading them after a few lines...hell even I get bored with them and I write them for a living.
So the purpose of this blog is to try and breath some life back into the forecast...sort of get past all the data if you will...and try and offer a little insight into what all that forecast junk means.
Hopefully it won't be lame.
Cheers!
Adam
I won't be posting full forecasts here...if you need the current surf forecast for Southern California (or anywhere else in the world) you should head over to www.wavewatch.com. My daily SoCal forecast is posted right here Wavewatch.com's Orange County Surf Forecast (you can find the LA, Ventura/SB, and San Deigo ones there as well). I will however create some quick posts to let you know when I have updated the forecast on wavewatch.com.
If you are a fan of surf forecasts in general you know that they get real dry real fast thanks to information overload. Even my friends and family stop reading them after a few lines...hell even I get bored with them and I write them for a living.
So the purpose of this blog is to try and breath some life back into the forecast...sort of get past all the data if you will...and try and offer a little insight into what all that forecast junk means.
Hopefully it won't be lame.
Cheers!
Adam
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