BajaNomad - Scorpion Bay in April

Scorpion Bay in April

Beagle - 12-15-2015 at 10:39 PM

Posted this in the Surf forum but it seems like there's not a lot of traffic over there. Sorry for the double post.

Would be heading in mid April solo. Just looking for waist to chest high longboardy waves. Is that possible in April? First time going north of Todos Santos so not sure of what to expect. I've beard the crowds get pretty thick now so I'm hoping to beat it in April. Just hoping for some fun waves and to fish and soak up San Juanico.

woody with a view - 12-16-2015 at 05:57 AM

it's good when there is a swell, as usual.

BigWooo - 12-16-2015 at 06:19 AM

April, May and June are my least favorite months there. There are often strong winds and dust storms, water can drop well below 60 degrees, and the surf is hit and miss. If you have time, you will have much better weather on the East Cape.

Ateo - 12-16-2015 at 07:04 AM

April is not known for South Swells. I wouldn't plan on much surf.

Beagle - 12-16-2015 at 07:10 AM

Thanks for the responses gang! I'm just looking to longboard some fun ones so even waist high is fine. The cold temps sounds not so fun. I don't do well in cold water. I do have a 2mm full suit but not sure that would be enough.

As far as wind and sand, I don't plan on camping so that might not be as big an issue. I would just be surfing, eating and sleeping and reading I figure in a room somewhere. I PM'd Merlin to see if he knew of any small budget places.

I know the big swells probably will not have kicked in then. Just looking for something to play on.
Do any longboard type little swells roll in or is it historically Lake Placid in April?

Thanks again for your time!

Mexitron - 12-16-2015 at 07:13 AM

This is an El Nino year however and the southern jet, if its still in control of the weather pattern in April, brings waves into Scorpion and Abre, so I hear.

BajaGeoff - 12-16-2015 at 10:12 AM

I have been to Scorpion Bay during April and there can be waves. I surfed it this April when our race truck broke during the NORRA just south of town. We spent the next day at the beach and got some fun ones up at 4th point. Three years prior when we were running a NORRA pit there, second point was shoulder high with only a few guys out. I say go for it...there will be some waves to play on with a longboard for sure!

Beagle - 12-16-2015 at 11:43 AM

Thanks Geoff! That's what I'm hoping to hear. Now just have to figure out the water temp issues. I've got a 2mm full suit but don't think that will be enough for me. I get cold pretty quick. Might need to invest in a 3/2 or maybe even 4/3 to be safe….

I can get fly to Loreto on miles and then just rent a car I figure and drive over. Looking at Hotel Scorpion Bay because I can do the easy 2 meals a day and rent a board. Prices seem fair.

Thanks for the help!

BajaGeoff - 12-16-2015 at 12:39 PM

It was comfortable enough to wear just trunks at the end of this past April...obviously it might be different next year though.

Beagle - 12-16-2015 at 02:53 PM

Board short temps are a lot to wish for.

Anyone have any experience at Casitas de San Juanico or Scorpion Bay Hotel?

WestyWanderer - 12-16-2015 at 03:08 PM

Beagle, like the other guys are reporting, Scorpion Bay has a VERY narrow swell window and since April is not typically known for south swells the chances for surf are more on the unlikely end. That doesn't mean its not possible, just more unlikely. If there is no south swell, only north swell at that time, then Scorpion Bay will have no waves at all.

With regards to hotels, the Scorpion Bay Hotel is very nice and its been my experience that the owners will bend over backwards to help you out. Its a little ways from the beach but they have a van that can get you down there. There is also a few rooms for rent at the campground that is at 3rd point (at least there used to be, I haven't been down in two years and I hear things are changing) the link for those is listed below:

http://www.scorpionbay.net/camping.php

Even without any surf Scorpion is a great place to hang out.

AKgringo - 12-16-2015 at 03:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by WestyWanderer

I haven't been down in two years and I hear things are changing) the link for those is listed below:

http://www.scorpionbay.net/camping.php

Even without any surf Scorpion is a great place to hang out.

I was down there in Oct of 2014, and the cantina shown in the link had been demolished! There was some sort of land dispute that I don't know the details of, but the person attempting to take over the spot was able to take down the cantina.

The people who had been riunning it before are still there, and had set up a new kitchen, but the old one was fenced off.

Camping and showers were still available then, but I don't know what has transpired in the last year.

Beagle - 12-16-2015 at 05:41 PM

Yeah, I think I'm over thinking it now. ha! I'm just trying to walk the fine line where I can get enough swell to have fun on a longboard and still not have too much crowd factor. I can either go April 16 or wait till May 21st and try then. I guess I'm splitting hairs. Trying to save money by using miles.

Thanks for all of the valuable info, gang! I have a lot to look over now. I need to stop looking at historical swell models and clean the house.

woody with a view - 12-16-2015 at 07:00 PM

being it's an El Nino year you might just get lucky! if Shaun Dawg is calling 15'+ in SoCal you might get lucky like we did over 4 days Feb/Mar '08. you WILL need insulated shells on your nutz or a better wetsuit tho....

4th point

3rd point

2nd point - we were the only campers at 2nd point for the duration! the cantina was open, no waiting for a cold shower. is it any wonder we've never returned? we rode the merry-go-round and pulled the golden ring!

CUT THE CORD!!!

[Edited on 12-17-2015 by woody with a view]

Ateo - 12-16-2015 at 08:45 PM

Sweet shots Woody.

Ateo - 12-16-2015 at 08:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Beagle

I PM'd Merlin to see if he knew of any small budget places.

Baja Nomad Merlin passed away a few weeks ago. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. He was a great man and that pueblo and his hometown in SD will be mourning the loss of their friend. I'll U2U you with more info.

[Edited on 12-17-2015 by Ateo]

Beagle - 12-16-2015 at 10:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Ateo

Quote: Originally posted by Beagle

I PM'd Merlin to see if he knew of any small budget places.

I'm sorry to hear that. It sounds like he made quite a contribution and it looked like he was always lending a hand.

Beagle - 12-16-2015 at 10:10 PM

Well, now the wife is on board since it will be her birthday. Looks like we will try to do some diving in Loreto and then zoom over to San Juanico for a few days at the end of May. Hopefully the water will be warmer and some swell trickling in.

Thanks for all of the input, Nomads. It's amazing how much knowledge and experience is here.

PS-Sick pics, Woody!

[Edited on 12-17-2015 by Beagle]

[Edited on 12-17-2015 by Beagle]

Ateo - 12-17-2015 at 07:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Beagle

Well, now the wife is on board since it will be her birthday. Looks like we will try to do some diving in Loreto and then zoom over to San Juanico for a few days at the end of May. Hopefully the water will be warmer and some swell trickling in.

Thanks for all of the input, Nomads. It's amazing how much knowledge and experience is here.

PS-Sick pics, Woody!

[Edited on 12-17-2015 by Beagle]

[Edited on 12-17-2015 by Beagle]

Have a fun trip! That won't be hard!

MMc - 12-17-2015 at 08:57 AM

Many years ago, I was talking to Shaun about the best week to go to Baja for surf. He said the first week in May is your best shot. The southern hemi has started to pick up and there is usually a bump in the water. Your mileage may vary.
The other way to ensure surf is to go the week before me or the week after. I am always driving into or away from a swell. :biggrin:

BajaGeoff - 12-17-2015 at 11:07 AM

Excellent pics Woody!

woody with a view - 12-17-2015 at 06:58 PM

i gotta thing for seagulls...

Seagull Surfboards. no self respecting Sunset Cliffs local would ride anything else!

i hope that King Neptune smiles on your adventures!

[Edited on 12-18-2015 by woody with a view]

Beagle - 12-17-2015 at 08:26 PM

That is so cool, Woody. Looks like heaven! Thanks for the pics! I'm so stoked.

chippy - 12-18-2015 at 06:57 AM

Whats next photos of the secret 7

Ateo - 12-18-2015 at 09:16 AM

The 10th Sister

chippy - 12-18-2015 at 09:33 AM

Thats a great photo ateo! Woodys are too.

Tomas Tierra - 12-18-2015 at 09:39 PM

Descanso en Paz Merlin.....

Great family man, and a solid citizen of San Juanico...
Sad to hear

san juanico

pappy - 12-20-2015 at 10:53 AM

just go and enjoy. I have had really fun waves there in april a friend who has a place there has scored early season souths in march and I am talking head high plus, so you just never know.

Beagle - 12-20-2015 at 04:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pappy

just go and enjoy. I have had really fun waves there in april a friend who has a place there has scored early season souths in march and I am talking head high plus, so you just never know.

Thanks! I'm on it. Wife is going now so it's going to be last week in May. Going to Todos in Feb so between the 2, that might be enough to hold be till summer but I doubt it.

Can't wait to check it out.

Grateful for all of the knowledge on Nomad.

Beagle - 12-20-2015 at 10:24 PM

One last question. I promise!

Looking at places to rent and it's going to be around the last week in May. What's the temperature like usually around then? Historical weather is scarce online and not sure I trust it. Do you recommend we find something with AC if it's available?

We are bringing the wives so… we have to be sure they're not miserable so we can insure a return trip!

Thanks!

Ateo - 12-21-2015 at 06:58 AM

Weather should be totally pleasant in May. It gets hot in July and August. I've rented numerous homes in San Juanico - NONE had AC. All had ceiling fans. It's rare that you lay in your bed sweating like a dog, unable to go to bed. I would think an AC unit would suck a ton of power and as of last visit, San Juanico is still a tad short on electricity. Not for long though.

May will be fine. Maybe 75 degrees. Night time very comfy. No AC needed.

[Edited on 12-21-2015 by Ateo]

woody with a view - 12-21-2015 at 07:01 AM

red tide usually strikes around then.

Beagle - 12-21-2015 at 04:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view

red tide usually strikes around then.

Thanks, Woody.

Sounds good! We're in 100%. Maybe some strong off shores to keep it cool!

Chupacabra - 12-21-2015 at 04:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view

Seagull Surfboards. no self respecting Sunset Cliffs local would ride anything else!

I thought that was a Frye at first. Nice pics!

WestyWanderer - 12-21-2015 at 10:32 PM

May will greatly increase your chances of swell, still not a guarantee. As AKgringo posted I had heard the cantina was demolished but I think the rooms they rent are still available (that's what I've heard). Good luck, have fun!

WestyWanderer - 12-21-2015 at 10:52 PM

May will greatly increase your chances of swell, still not a guarantee. As AKgringo posted I had heard the cantina was demolished but I think the rooms they rent are still available (that's what I've heard). Good luck, have fun!

Beagle - 12-22-2015 at 09:15 PM

Yeah I'm going to be happy even if it's 2 feet and onshore. Just gonna be long boarding and taking naps.

Thanks for all the info and encouragement, Nomads!

Beagle

woody with a view - 12-24-2015 at 04:53 PM

keep it all in perspective!

secondra8.jpg - 95kB

chippy - 12-24-2015 at 05:42 PM

OMG !! I thought it was stupidly overcrowded in the early 80s. What a joke.

oladulce - 12-25-2015 at 11:17 PM

Cherish those photos of waves and remember the fun trips you've had to Punta Pequeña because the memories are all we're going to have for a long time at the rate things are going. For some reason you don't see the current state of the surf in San Juanico mentioned very often online or in print, like it's a taboo subject or something. The fact is, Hurricane Marie in 2014 scoured nearly every grain of sand from the points and left behind deep chasms where barely a ripple forms now. A year and a half later, and still no sign of the sand returning to 2nd and 3rd points. The underwater structure was so devastated that I'm beginning to wonder if we'll see the sand and waves return in our lifetime.

Timing a trip to San Juanico based on swell potential is one less thing you'll have to worry about nowadays because the waves don't break.

I took this photo in July 2002. Fun to see it still in circulation.

secondra8.jpg - 95kB

woody with a view - 12-26-2015 at 07:58 AM

nice foto Dulce! the sand will return sooner than you think. i hope it is soon enough!

Beagle - 12-26-2015 at 11:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by oladulce

Cherish those photos of waves and remember the fun trips you've had to Punta Pequeña because the memories are all we're going to have for a long time at the rate things are going. For some reason you don't see the current state of the surf in San Juanico mentioned very often online or in print, like it's a taboo subject or something. The fact is, Hurricane Marie in 2014 scoured nearly every grain of sand from the points and left behind deep chasms where barely a ripple forms now. A year and a half later, and still no sign of the sand returning to 2nd and 3rd points. The underwater structure was so devastated that I'm beginning to wonder if we'll see the sand and waves return in our lifetime.

Timing a trip to San Juanico based on swell potential is one less thing you'll have to worry about nowadays because the waves don't break.

I took this photo in July 2002. Fun to see it still in circulation.

Wow! So you're saying in a year and a half, there hasn't been breaking waves at all? That's tough news! Yeah, I'm surprised that hasn't come up.

joel - 12-28-2015 at 05:20 PM

You look at the old photos people post of San Juanico and you see 2nd as a perfect sand point. A month ago the entire bay was exposed reef. There were a couple of narrow spits of sand to walk on, but the break has been a shadow of it's former self for over a year and in some ways has gotten worse in the past few months. It's a bit like posting 20 year old photos of yourself on Tinder.... People may be surprised when they turn up in person.