San Carlos in July - any waves?

boggsman1 · Joined: 24 Jun 2002 Posts: 9120 Location: at a computer

JP, that is a beautiful piece of water. As for PSC, there is a 5-star resort, and an airstrip. It's called SoloSports, not quite the Ritz.

pacspeed · Joined: 14 Sep 2000 Posts: 627

I bet the waves are excellent in July at San Carlos, since the south is the real magic there and thats the depth of winter in the southern hemi.
North swell at psc is kinda lame, it doesnt really set up well. Wind, however, might be a taller order in July. Dont know what the stats are, but it does have a local thermal effect that is pretty reliable, and should deliver as long as the generally onshore/prevailing westerly pattern of the west coast holds.
Santa Ana conditions (easterly) are the real bummer there, and as you approach the end of summer they get more likely, afaik.

cmoy · Joined: 07 Jun 2000 Posts: 5

If you never have been to San Carlos, it is definitely an adventure. It should be on every wave sailors' or want to be wave sailors' bucket list! Mid summer is not the "best" for the primo wave conditions that San Carlos has to offer..however, I've been there in July and August and have had good wave sessions from waist to shoulder high on normal days. These are good to practice on. If there is a good south swell you, can get some sweet logo to mast high waves at the Chili Bowl and Bombora. Just think about those 20 bottom turns in side off conditions!! It is also typically much windier in July and August. Like any wind type vacation, you have to factor in the risk of not having the best conditions. Even the Gorge and Maui has potential of marginal days. If you are flying in then do consider going with Solo. You can also check out the swell report 2 weeks in advance to determine what wave condition will be like. Have fun no matter which location you choose.

www.solosports.net
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MalibuGuru · Joined: 11 Nov 1993 Posts: 9300

If you are at PSC for two full weeks in July, you have a 50-60% chance of getting a significant 3 day swell. (best guess) However, Maui in December is more like 75%. (2 weeks stay) However if you happen to hit PSC when it's on....you won't believe it! Hasta En San Carlos.

PS: There is big surf down there right now, for the next 4 days.

elenna · Joined: 30 Apr 1998 Posts: 97

Watch for a South Swell. If it hits during your vacation window. Go for it. If not, stay home or go to Hawaii. PSC can wear on ya if there is no swell. There's only so much bump and jump that you can do and you will start thinking about driving back after about 3 days of relentless wind and dust and no waves.

We go every year and have been timing our trip to coincide with a swell window. This has worked out spectacularly and have had as much fun on the no wind days surfing as we did on the windy days sailing.

I've been to Maui a bunch as well, during July, and have never scored a swell, just wind swell, and do not believe that your guaranteed to do any better there on a "fixed" schedule.

If possible, be flexible with your date in PSC. If that's not possible, I'd still make the trip, of the 8 times I've been only one trip really had pathetic surf. Most had at least 1-2 days of swell and plenty of wind.

2006 Sweet surf
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3242828113182200057

2007 sucked

2008 Epic, video not up yet. Wind a little light but the surf more than made up for it.

It's an epic adventure. Go for it and sail the Chili Bowl the first day. the surf is usually larger and the wind a smidgen better.

ERic