Hurricane “Gnarly Narda” to Bring Surf to SoCal (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 8:07 PM ET

While the first day of fall was on September 22nd, there’s still one last gasp of summertime south swell action headed for Southern California.

Hurricane Narda – aka “Gnarly Narda” – a Category One storm, is brewing off the coast of Baja, with a projected path that should bring swell to both Mexico and Southern California. According to the National Hurricane Center, "These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Elsewhere, waves have been projected to reach from four-to-six feet, all the way up to eight-feet in some zones.

For a more of a surf-focused forecast, here’s Schaler Perry from Surfline:

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A post shared by Schaler Perry (@sperrysurfline)

“Everyone’s asking the same thing: ‘What does it mean for surf?’” Perry said in his latest update. “The National Hurricane Center forecast suggests widespread fun, and Surfline’s LOTUS model is doubling-down that it’s going to be pumping. So, what’s the call?”

Well, the track of the hurricane isn’t ideal. Perry continued:

“Right now, Narda is tracking west. That’s not great for us [surfers in Southern California], and it’s losing some steam. But, over the next 36 hours, the system should slow down, restrengthen, and turn north. That’s when the fetch expands and heads our way, setting up a rise in surf through the weekend.”

And when might this swell hit?

“We’re looking at size peaking late Sunday into Monday, before easing next week. And unlike most tropical storms, Narda looks like it will spread the love around. From Ventura to San Diego, all getting a piece of the action.”

So, it might not be the craziest of hurricane swells, but there will surely be waves all across Southern California. Get ready.

See more information from Surfline here.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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