Carcavelos Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for Carcavelos over the next couple of weeks.

To be straight with you, the first week and a half is a bit of a struggle. We’ve got a long stretch from Thursday, 6 August right through to the middle of the month where the surf is just not cooperating. There’s a mix of marginal conditions and poor surf days, with a lot of cross-offshore wind and small, weak swell. The swell energy is mostly low, sitting in the hundreds. The water temp is sitting around 68.4°, which is pretty much average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real standout that catches my eye doesn’t arrive until Tuesday, 18 August. That morning, Carcavelos is looking at a solid 7.9ft swell from the NNW, with a period of 9 seconds. The combined swell energy is pumping strong at 930, which is serious energy. Now, the wind is a cross-offshore breeze at 22 mph, which will keep things clean. However, I gotta be honest with you – when the swell is over 8.2ft, it’s only for experts, and this is right on that edge. It’s a big, powerful wave, and for a beginner, this is way too much. The break is fairly consistent, and it’s exposed to the swell, but the direction from the NNW isn’t a match for the optimum W direction, so the shape might not be perfect. It’s a big, raw ocean day – only for the experienced crew.

After that, things settle down a bit. There’s a promising little window on Thursday, 20 August morning, with a gentle 3.6ft swell from the NNW and a light 3 mph cross-offshore wind. The energy is moderate at 168. It’s not a huge day, but it’s surfable and clean, and that’s a win after the rough patch.

Right at the end of the forecast period, on Friday, 21 August morning, we get a real treat. Glassy conditions with a 2.6ft swell from the NNW, and almost no wind at all – just a slight air. The water is glassy as can be. The swell is small, but when it’s that clean, it’s a beautiful thing for a longboard or a funboard. The period is short at 7 seconds, so it’s a bit of a windswell, but with that glassy surface, you’ll have a blast.

So, the one to circle on the calendar is the 18th of August for the big, powerful stuff, but only if you’ve got the experience. For a more relaxed, clean session, the 21st of August morning is your best bet.

Stay stoked.

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