Tuesday's Surf - I am getting a little sick of going left

Ok I haven't really been going backside all that much...but with the near continuous run of SW swell that we have had for the last couple of weeks it definitely seems like I spend a lot of time watching some long fast lefts push through my local beach breaks (not to mention the south-to-north current). I think I am going to build an artificial reef (probably out of old Ford Mavericks) so that I can get a few longer rights off these SW swells. Anyway now that I have decided on my summer project I guess we can get into the forecast...



Tuesday will be another surf day but it will have issues with early winds and the general funkiness similar to the last couple of days.

Our SW swell will dip down slightly but overall it will continue to push in chest-shoulder high surf for the average exposed SW facing breaks. Standout SW facing surf spots in San Diego and Orange County will have shoulder-head high waves with some bigger sets continuing to mix in on the lower tides. There will also be some WNW windswell hanging in the background that will add a few creases to the more dominant SW energy, maybe even open up some short right-handers at the exposed beach breaks, and it should send in a few rideable waist-high+ waves to the more protected winter breaks.

Winds will start off light and variable but will have some light texture/warble showing at the more exposed areas. W winds in the 10-15 knot range will fill in through midday and into the afternoon.

Water temperatures also took a dive...I paddled out in HB today and the water had dropped from the mid-60s late last week to the upper-50s. Definitely back to the fullsuit in my area...not sure how it is in SD but I don't think that spots North of the OC are any warmer.

I think you are going to want to hit it early tomorrow...the winds are going to pick up pretty early. Don't expect it to be completely clean either no matter how early you get on it...it looks like the onshore bump will stay on it most of the night and will keep the more exposed beaches on the fugly side through the morning. Really your best bet is to head to a spot that has good exposure to the SW swell and a little bit of protection from the W-NW winds...something like a point/reef that has a little kelp/high-cliffs/pier/jetty to take the edge off. I probably wouldn't drive very far for surf just because of the winds but keep in mind that you are going to see the biggest waves through North San Diego and South Orange County...other areas will be a little smaller and less consistent.

Thursday’s Surf: Looking a bit fugly

Depending on where you live you may want to skip trying to surf on Thursday. Like it says in the title…things are looking a bit fugly.

There will be a few waves thanks to the small but steady mix of WNW windswell and weak S-SW pulses that continue to hang on. Most breaks can expect surf in the knee high+ range. Standout W facing windswell spots will have some waist-high+ sets.

The wind is what will be causing most of the problems. N-NW winds are expected to hold pretty steady for most of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles. Expect N-NW winds around 10+ knots, (sort of side-onshore for the west facing breaks…but cleaner at S facing spots and the inside areas of certain points).

Orange County and San Diego are expected to be cleaner with the winds shifting more N to NNE on the forecast charts...though I am not sure how much I trust them considering that it focusing on such a small area. Let’s just say, at this point, look for lighter winds blowing from a better direction in OC and SD and cross our fingers. (you have to love my forecasting style sometimes)

I would suggest playing it by ear tomorrow. The surf will be small and the winds not-so-good, which is never a great combo. That being said there are always a couple of manageable pockets that can be fun if you just want to catch a couple of waves…so your best bet is to check the cameras in the morning and only head down to the beach if you see a couple of decent waves…otherwise don’t waste your gas/sanity/time (whichever you find more valuable).