Arrieta Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again. Let’s call it like it is—this stretch for Arrieta is a grind, and you’ll need to wait it out. The first week and a half is basically a no-go for decent surf. There’s a bunch of northeasterly swell pushing through, with moderate wave energy (around 513 to 368 on the energy scale), but it’s all coming with fresh cross-shore or cross-off winds that leave the surface lumpy and choppy. The swell’s short period too, mostly 8 seconds, so no real shape or power. For a sheltered reef break, that’s a tough combo. You’re looking at a solid 10 days of poor surf conditions from Wednesday 5 August through to the weekend of 15–16 August. The swell size sits between 5ft and 8ft, so there’s some push, but the wind just won’t play ball. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual.

The first real glimmer of hope comes on Wednesday 19 August. The morning sees a light breeze from the north-northeast at 6 mph, giving clean, cross-off conditions. Swell drops to 4ft from the north, with a period stretching to 9 seconds—a bit longer, so you’ll get better shaped waves and longer lulls between sets. The combined energy is still modest at 227, but it’s surfable and ordinary in a good way after so much rubbish. That afternoon holds similar with a gentle breeze. Then Thursday 20 August morning keeps it going: clear skies, light north-northwest wind at 6 mph, 4ft north swell at 8 seconds, and the lowest energy reading of 189. It’s not pumping, but it’s clean.

The standout? If you’ve got to pick one window, make it Wednesday 19 August morning. The swell direction is north, which is a little off the optimum north that Arrieta likes, but the light, clean wind and longer 9-second period make it the most appealing session in the whole 16-day run. The break is an advanced reef, inconsistent, and crowds are possible, so pick your moment. That’s the best on offer—don’t expect much else.

Rusty.

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