Barrinha Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. The forecast is a bit of a slow burner, but there are some real gems if you’re patient. The first few days are pretty average, but the middle of the window and the very end have some serious potential.

We start off with a bit of a nothing burger. Friday morning, August 7th, at Barrinha has tiny 1-foot south swell with a 10-second period. The combined energy is a weak 30, so you’re barely floating. Cross-off wind from the south at 12 mph keeps it clean, but there’s just no power. The afternoon picks up to 8 feet, but the period drops to 8 seconds and the wind swings cross-off at 16 mph, making it a bit of a bumpy mess. The energy jumps to 765, but it’s a marginal call.

Saturday and Sunday remain average. Saturday has 7 to 7 feet of south swell with a long 14-second period, but the wind is a cross-on from the north at 12 mph, so it’s choppy. The energy is high (1627 and 1550), but the quality isn’t there. Sunday morning eases a bit to 4 feet of south swell, 12 seconds, with a cross-off from the SSW at 12 mph, keeping it clean. The energy is 987. Sunday afternoon sees the swell build back to 8 feet, 11-second period, with a light cross-off from the SSW at 9 mph. The energy jumps to 2412, and it’s clean. This is the first real glimmer of hope.

Now, Monday August 10th is where we start to get excited. The morning is a standout. Barrinha gets an 8-foot south swell, 12-second period, with true offshore wind from the SW at 9 mph. The combined energy is a strong 3032, and the conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is the best of the first week. The afternoon stays solid with 8 feet, 12-second period, and a cross-off from the SSW at 12 mph, but the morning is the pick.

Tuesday August 11th keeps the run going. Morning has 7 feet of south swell, 11 seconds, with a light cross-off from the SSW at 3 mph. The energy is 1029, and it’s clean. The afternoon is glassy, with 6 feet of south swell, 12 seconds, and a light SW wind at 3 mph. The energy is 1013, and it’s very good conditions. Take the glassy afternoon session.

Then we hit a bit of a lull. Wednesday through Saturday morning have messy, cross-on winds and dropping swell quality. The energy stays moderate, but the wind is a problem. The water temperature is 67°F with a 1°F anomaly, so it’s about average for this time of year.

The next real standout is Friday August 14th morning. Barrinha sees 8 feet of south-southeast swell, 13-second period, with true offshore wind from the SW at 9 mph. The energy is a solid 1831, and it’s excellent for experienced surfers. This is another top session.

The weekend of August 15th and 16th is poor, with cross-on winds and short period, junky swell. The energy drops, and the quality is poor.

Now, the end of the forecast window has something wild. Tuesday August 18th morning, Barrinha is glassy with a 13-foot east swell, 10-second period. The energy is 2823. The note says it’s too big for this break. This is expert-only territory, and it’s going to be a massive, powerful wall of water. The wind and tide are favorable, but 13 feet is a serious beast. The afternoon is 12 feet of east swell, 10 seconds, with a cross-on from the ESE at 6 mph. Still too big for most.

Wednesday August 19th morning is still big at 10 feet of east swell, 11 seconds, with a cross-off from the WNW at 6 mph. The energy is 2078. It’s clean, but again, expert only. The afternoon drops to 8 feet of east swell, 11 seconds, with a light cross-off from the SW at 3 mph. The energy is 1710, and the conditions are excellent for experienced surfers. This is the best of the second week for capable surfers.

The final days of the 22nd have a small clean-up. Saturday August 22nd morning has 5 feet of south swell, 12 seconds, with a light cross-off from the SSW at 3 mph. The energy is 787, and it’s very good conditions. It’s a small, clean end to the run.

The best on offer is Monday August 10th morning and Friday August 14th morning for the intermediate to experienced crew. For the experts, Tuesday August 18th and Wednesday August 19th are the heavy hitters, but you’ll need to be on your game.

Rusty.

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