Sometimes You Have To Go Backward To Go Forward.
SURF:
After a great weekend of surf over the long 4th of July holiday, we seem to be regressing the past few days. June Gloom has returned, the surf has gone flat, and our water temps have stopped warming. But don't despair- there's plenty of waves next week- we just need to get through this weekend first. For Friday through Sunday, we'll have background SW/NW swells for waist high sets at best- with MAYBE a touch more sun in the afternoons. And here’s the sun, tides, and water temps for the upcoming weekend:
- Sunrise and sunset:
- 5:51 AM sunrise
- 7:58 PM sunset
- Water temps peaked at 74 in N county SD earlier in the week but have since cooled off slightly to 70 with the persistent clouds and touch of NW wind.
- And tides are mellow this weekend:
- about 2' at sunrise
- up to 4.5' late afternoon
- and down to 3' at sunset
FORECAST:
Looks like we get back on track next week with a couple good SW swells headed our way. First up is a fun chest high SW filling in on Monday. Behind it is a 2nd bigger swell arriving Wednesday for overhead sets towards far N county SD. That swell should last into Friday.
After that, we may see smaller but fun waist to chest high SSW towards the 3rd week of July. And no hurricanes yet in the tropics- which is odd even in a La Nina year. If anything changes between now and then, make sure to follow North County Surf/X (formerly known as Twitter).
WEATHER:
The low clouds stuck along the coast the past few days but we may see sunnier skies this weekend. We have a slight surge of monsoon moisture headed our way this weekend which may disrupt the clouds mid-day and bring thunderstorms to the mountains/deserts. Speaking of our deserts, I decided to spend the 4th of July in Palm Springs (don't ask). As luck would have it, they had their warmest day EVER while I was there- a balmy 124 degrees. Incredibly, I drove home 2 hours later, and the coast was 74- a drop of 50 degrees! I think I won't be going back to the desert any time soon (unless Palm Springs Surf Club ever opens again). Here's what's in store for the upcoming week along our coastline:
- Friday: More low clouds hugging the coast. Temps 75/65.
- Saturday through next week: A better chance of sun in the afternoons and temps 73/66.
BEST BET:
- Late Monday/Tuesday with fun SW
- Wednesday/Tuesday with good SW and Emergency Boardriding System activation!
NEWS OF THE WEEK:
We've all been taught to stay out of the ocean after a big rain due to pollution from run off. But what about during the summer when there's no rain in sight? The water has to be as clean as Lake Tahoe, right?
Wrong.
According to a recent report from the LA Times, the Department of Public Health says there's enough dirty water to be scared of at certain beaches in the summer. Here's more:
A day at the beach is probably on the schedule for many Californians this week, especially with a heat wave baking the region. But surfing, splashing or swimming at some of Southern California’s most popular beaches could result in severe illnesses due to high levels of bacteria in the water, officials say. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has even issued ocean water use warnings for about a dozen beaches and multiple piers with bacterial levels that exceed health standards.
California has some of the most polluted beaches in the U.S., according to the Surfrider Foundation’s 2023 Clean Water Report. The report identified 10 beaches from coast to coast that consistently measured high levels of bacteria, three of which are in California: Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, San Luis Creek Mouth in San Luis Obispo and Imperial Beach in San Diego.
Imperial Beach has been closed for more than two years due to toxic water from the Tijuana River watershed. The ocean shoreline from the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge to the California-Mexico border is also closed due to cross-boundary flows. (If you're up for a scary story, check out my in depth report here on THE Surf Report).
Bacteria levels can increase when contaminated runoff enters the ocean (especially after significant rainfall) or untreated sewage is released into the water (which can occur anytime of the year). A multimillion-gallon sewage spill in Carson in 2022 closed down all beaches in Long Beach among others in Los Angeles County and Orange County.
Trash, pet waste and fecal contamination from sea birds and ocean mammals can also push the levels of harmful microorganisms in the ocean to potentially unsafe levels, said Becky Schlikerman Sernik, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
The most common illness after swimming in polluted water is gastroenteritis, which typically occurs after swallowing bacteria-contaminated water, Sernik said. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache and fever, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to gastroenteritis.
So before you head out to shred some surf in SD next week, make sure to see if your beach is safe from runoff here!
Bacteria levels can increase when contaminated runoff enters the ocean (especially after significant rainfall) or untreated sewage is released into the water (which can occur anytime of the year). A multimillion-gallon sewage spill in Carson in 2022 closed down all beaches in Long Beach among others in Los Angeles County and Orange County.
Trash, pet waste and fecal contamination from sea birds and ocean mammals can also push the levels of harmful microorganisms in the ocean to potentially unsafe levels, said Becky Schlikerman Sernik, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
The most common illness after swimming in polluted water is gastroenteritis, which typically occurs after swallowing bacteria-contaminated water, Sernik said. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache and fever, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to gastroenteritis.
So before you head out to shred some surf in SD next week, make sure to see if your beach is safe from runoff here!
BEST OF THE BLOG:
Been a darn good summer so far. Lots of waves, (mostly) sunny skies, and water temps in the low 70's. Now if we could just call that 'work' somehow. Well, we could become professional surfers- but I think that ship has sailed. Then how about networking while surfing? Now that's a GREAT idea. Must be time for a North County Board Meeting Surf Meeting! Come on down to George’s (just south of the Chart House in Cardiff) Friday, July 26th at 8 AM to network, grab a bite before work, learn about our next charity event, and maybe catch a barrel or two. And the best thing- it’s free! All you have to do is have a passion for surfing and want to support your community. What could be better on a Friday (and also considered a hall pass with your boss)? Look for the tent as usual and hit up northcountyboardmeeting@gmail.com with any questions!
PIC OF THE WEEK:
Drop in, set your rail, and GO!
Keep Surfing,
Michael W. Glenn
Exceptionally High Standards
Entertainer
Tried To Surf Palm Springs On A Soft Top But The Foam Kept Melting
Michael W. Glenn
Exceptionally High Standards
Entertainer
Tried To Surf Palm Springs On A Soft Top But The Foam Kept Melting
