Algarrobo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it. We’ve got a solid 16-day window ahead for Algarrobo, but it’s a mixed bag. The first few days are a write-off, with onshore winds and choppy conditions, so you’ll be sitting on the beach for a bit. But once we get past the weekend, there’s a window of cleaner, more manageable swell that’s worth paddling out for.

The story starts with a pulse of WSW groundswell rolling in Wednesday morning, peaking around 7ft. The water’s sitting at 57°, which is pretty normal for this time of year, so no major surprises there. The combined energy is strong, hitting 1452, but Wednesday morning is let down by a marginal forecast. The wind is light out of the SW at 3 mph, which is actually slight onshore, but it’s not enough to totally ruin it. The afternoon turns cross-shore from the NNW, which is a bit better, but the swell is still 7ft with a 13-second period, so it’s got some punch. The energy jumps to 1797, but the overall quality is still marginal. This is a reef and pier setup, so that longer period (13 seconds) will actually help shape the waves better, but it’s not a standout.

Thursday and Friday are a total bust. Strong S winds from 12 to 19 mph, cross-on, and choppy. The swell drops off, and the wave energy is moderate to low. Saturday morning sees a bigger pulse of 8ft SW swell with a 14-second period, and the energy is very strong at 2496. The wind is cross-shore from the S at 12 mph, which is not ideal, but it’s the best of a bad bunch. The afternoon gets cross-on again, so that window is tight. Sunday has similar energy (2687) and a 13-second period, but again, the wind is cross-shore to cross-on, making it a marginal call.

Now, the real glimmer in the forecast comes on Friday, 14 August. The morning is glassy. Yes, glassy. Light rain, S wind at 3 mph, and the swell is 5ft from the WNW with a 9-second period. That’s a short period, but the glassy conditions mean the surface will be clean as a whistle. The energy is 573, which is moderate, but for a reef break, that WNW direction is decent. This is the best on offer in the whole outlook. The water is likely similar to the earlier readings, so it’s comfortable. Crowds are possible here, as it’s a known spot, but with the conditions this good, it might be worth the company.

After that, it’s a downhill slide. Saturday the 15th through Monday the 18th is all onshore wind again, with fresh breezes and lumpy conditions. The swell is around 6ft to 8ft, but the wind ruins it. Then on Wednesday, 19 August, we get a big spike: 10ft swell from the WSW, with a 14-second period and energy hitting 3372. That is very strong, and it’s big—over 8ft, so it’s expert territory only. The wind is cross-on, so it’s going to be a messy, powerful beast. This is a solid session for the experienced crew, but not for the faint-hearted. The afternoon is even bigger at 10ft with a 13-second period, but the wind is cross-on, so it’s a wash.

The last few days, Thursday the 20th, drop to 7ft and 7ft, with gentle cross-on winds. It’s not the best, but it’s still surfable for the more patient among you.

Overall, the standout is Friday 14 August morning at Algarrobo. Clean, glassy conditions, a tidy 5ft swell from the WNW, and moderate energy. It’s not the biggest, but the quality will be there. For the big-wave hunters, Wednesday 19 August is the one to watch, but be prepared for a fight.

Stay salty, and paddle smart.
Rusty.

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