Barrinha Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s have a look at what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks here at Barrinha.

Honestly, it’s a pretty slow start. The first few days are flat, with hardly any swell to speak of – you’ll be staring at a lake. Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd are basically write-offs, with tiny, weak waves and a fresh breeze ruining any chance of a decent surf. The combined energy is just 2-4 (weak), so don’t even bother paddling out.

Sunday the 23rd morning shows a little improvement, but it’s still very ordinary. We’ve got a tiny 0.4m swell from the SSE, period around 10 seconds, and a light cross-off breeze. The energy is still weak at 82, so it’s only really for the keenest longboarder or someone who just wants to get wet.

Monday the 24th is more of the same, but the afternoon brings a little more life. The swell picks up slightly to 0.4m from the SSE, with a period stretching to 13 seconds, and the energy climbs to 128 (moderate). The wind goes glassy in the morning and then light cross-off in the afternoon. It’s still very ordinary, but you might find a fun little ankle-snapper if you’re patient.

Then things start to get interesting. Tuesday the 25th morning is where the window opens. The swell jumps to 0.9m from the SSE, with a very long period of 16 seconds – that’s proper groundswell. The energy is now 408 (strong), and with glassy conditions under a slight air, it’s going to be clean. The wind goes offshore in the afternoon too. This is the first real standout. The swell direction is straight from the south-southeast, which is bang on the optimum for Barrinha. The long period might make it a bit fat on the beach break, but it’ll be well-shaped and fun for intermediates.

Wednesday the 26th keeps the good run going. Morning sees 0.9m from the SSE with a 17-second period and energy at 576 (strong) – you’re looking at clean, glassy conditions again. The afternoon holds at 1.0m, still a long 16-second period, 578 energy, and a light cross-off. It’s consistent, clean, and around the 1-metre mark, which is perfect for a wide range of abilities.

Thursday the 27th morning is the absolute peak. The swell is 1.1m from the SE, period 15 seconds, and combined energy hits 630 (strong). Glassy conditions under a slight air, wind from the SSW – it’s going to be clean and punchy. This is the best surf of the whole forecast. The afternoon switches to a cross-shore breeze and the energy drops a touch, but the morning session is the one to lock in.

After that, things fall apart. Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th see the swell drop back to 0.6-0.7m, with periods shortening and fresh onshore winds making a mess of things. The combined energy drops to 285 and then 145, and it’s mostly poor conditions. Sunday the 30th and Monday the 31st are basically flat again, with energy under 4 and strong winds. This flat spell stretches through to the start of September.

Tuesday the 1st of September is still poor, but then Wednesday the 2nd sees a pulse of 0.9m from the east, but with a short period of just 8 seconds and very strong 35 km/h offshore winds. The energy is 100 (weak to moderate), but the wind is howling – it’d be more fun for a kite session than a proper surf. Thursday the 3rd is similar, with a 1.0m east swell, short 8-second period, and 198 energy, but again that strong offshore wind makes it a challenge.

Finally, Friday the 4th of September morning brings a return to good conditions. The swell is 0.9m from the SSE, period 12 seconds, combined energy 384 (strong), and glassy conditions with a slight air. It’s clean and punchy, but the afternoon goes cross-shore and messy. Saturday the 5th morning is back to onshore winds and small swell, so the window is short.

The absolute standout is Thursday the 27th of August morning – 1.1m, 15-second period, glassy, from the SSE, and 630 energy. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. Tuesday the 25th and Wednesday the 26th are also solid, with clean conditions and solid groundswell. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Remember, Barrinha is fairly exposed to the south swell and it’s a fairly consistent spot, so when it’s on, it’s on. But there’s a long gap of flatness from the 28th through to the 2nd, so pick your days carefully.

Rusty.

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