Atalaia (Molhes) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let's get real about what's in the water at Atalaia (Molhes) for the next couple of weeks.

First things first, the water temp is about 19°, which is a touch warmer than we usually see this time of year. Not a big deal, just a little warmth in the mix.

The forecast is a real slow-burner, a bit of a mixed bag. The first few days are nothing to write home about. Tuesday the 11th is a washout, with a tiny 3ft swell from the SE and weak energy. The real tease is Wednesday morning the 12th. The swell is still small, about 3ft from the SE, but the wind is dead calm, glassy. It'll be clean, but you'll be working hard for each wave.

The first real standout is Friday afternoon the 14th. The swell is a touch better at 3ft from the SE, with a 14-second period and the energy building. The wind goes completely calm, glassy. That's your window for some clean, fun little lines. It's not a big day, but it'll be the best conditions you'll see for a while.

The next good shout is Monday morning the 17th. The swell bumps up to 5ft from the E, with solid energy. The wind is light and offshore from the NNW, so it'll be clean. This is the biggest swell of the early run, but the period is a short 8 seconds, so it's going to be a lumpy, wind swell. The afternoon gets messy with a cross-on breeze.

After that, the surf drops off. We get a few more glassy mornings (like the 19th and 20th) with tiny 3ft waves, but the energy is weak. It's a waiting game.

The back half of the forecast is a real struggle. From the 21st of August through to the 25th, it's mostly small, weak, and messy. The period drops to 7 seconds or less, and the energy is pitiful. The wind is all over the place, mostly cross or cross-on. It's going to be a flat spell.

Then, on the 26th of August, we get a big spike in energy from a 16-second SE swell. That's a proper long-period groundswell, which is promising. But the wind is a nightmare – moderate to fresh SSE winds, cross-on and choppy. It's going to be a messy, blown-out day. That much energy with that wind is more for the kite crew than paddle surfers.

So, if you're looking for the cleanest surf, Thursday afternoon the 14th is your best bet. For a bit more size, Monday morning the 17th is the call, but expect it to be rough. The long-range look for the 26th is a promise of energy, but it's a long shot with the wind.

Rusty.

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