Cabarete Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let me tell you straight up – the surf situation around here is pretty bleak for the next couple of weeks. Looking at the whole 16-day window, there's really only one session that might be worth paddling out for, and even then it's a bit of a gamble.

The problem is the wind. We've got this constant cross-onshore breeze coming out of the east, between 9 and 19 mph, and it's just ruining everything. The swell is mostly from the east too, with short periods around 8 to 10 seconds, but it's all chopped up and lumpy. The combined energy of all swells directed here is mostly weak to moderate, with values as low as 23 or 24, and even the highest readings only hitting 901 (on Monday morning, August 31st) which is moderate, but the wind kills it.

That Monday morning, the 31st of August, is the only time that really stands out. We have a 7 ft swell from the east with an 11-second period. The combined energy is 901, so there's some decent power in the water. The wind is a gentle breeze from the ENE (9 mph) and it's blowing *on*, not cross-on, which means it's offshore for the break. That's a big deal – it's the only session in the entire forecast with offshore wind. The water temp is 85°F, which is about 1°F above average, so it's pretty normal for the time of year. The break is Cabarete, a reef setup that's consistent and exposed to the swell. This would be the call, but it's a Monday morning and it gets a low score for surf quality, so don't expect perfection. The swell is over 5 ft but under 8 ft, so it's a bit meaty for beginners but not out of reach for intermediates. The 11-second period is decent, giving the waves some shape. Crowds are possible here at times, so there might be a few others thinking the same thing.

After that Monday morning session, it's a complete write-off. From the Monday afternoon right through to the end of the forecast on the 15th of September, every single session is marked as 'poor surf conditions.' The wind stays cross-onshore, the swell drops off significantly, and the energy readings are mostly in the double digits or low triple digits. For instance, by the 4th of September, the swell is down to 2 ft and 1 ft with periods of 4 to 5 seconds – that's just wind chop. There's a gap of over two weeks here where I wouldn't recommend even looking at the ocean for a surf.

If you're really desperate, the only other moment that gets a second glance is the 31st of August, Monday afternoon, but the wind swings to a fresh cross-onshore breeze at 16 mph, and the score drops to zero. So, no.

Honestly, this stretch looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing, given the consistent cross-onshore wind and the weak, short-period swell. But if you're a surfer, save your energy. This is a long, dry spell.

Rusty.

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