Thursday, November 20th, 2025

Niel's Thursday Morning Swim Report -

This morning I was ready to be back in the water after a week doging the increase in bacteria from the recent rains. It was drizzeling in Avila, the air temp was 50°, it was overcast and still. The surf was 1 foot and breaking on the shore. There was a swell from the SE. A big swell was in the forcast this morning but now the prediction is for 1 to 2 feet for several days.  

The beach is in winter mode now: its' slope to the water is very steep so the water pulls hard on you as it runs back to the ocean and there are holes in the bottom as you wade out.  Soon the sand will be pulled away and the bottom will be rocks and shells. The lifeguard towers are pulled back to the sea wall and fewer people bring their dogs to the beach. The parking is more convient.  
I walked out to beyong the break to start swimming. The water temp was 58°. I swam to Fossil Point, came back to the pier and stayed on the east side away from the creek mouth. SL Creek will be carrying a lot of bacteria after the recent rain. The Blue Water Task Force collected water samples this morning so there will be results for bacteria levels from Avila Beach and SL Creek tomorrow at https://bwtf.surfrider.org/explore/34.  104 is the CAL EPA max number for safe human contact.        

At Fossil Point

The swell put a nice lump to the water to go with the wintery vibe. 

I'll swim with the Saturday morning group at 7. 

niel