Cardiel (Mar del Plata) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s on the menu for Cardiel (Mar del Plata) over the next couple of weeks.

We’re starting off with a real flat spell, so don’t even bother paddling out for the first few days. Thursday and Friday are a write-off – tiny, weak, messy. It’s not until Saturday the 22nd that things get interesting, but honestly, it’s a bit of a cruel joke. The swell is pumping in, real heavy, but it’s just too damn big for this break. You’re looking at 10 ft from the SSW with a 10-second period, and the combined wave energy is through the roof (2743). That’s expert-only territory, and even then, it’s likely a washing machine for a beginner-friendly spot like Cardiel. The wind is clean, but the size is the dealbreaker.

Sunday the 23rd is a similar story. More huge swell, 10 ft from the SSE, period stretching out to 14 seconds, and the energy is massive (4066). This is a proper groundswell, but again, it’s just too big and the cross-onshore wind in the afternoon will chop it up. For a beach break, that long period can make it close out fast. Not the day for a relaxed session.

Now, Monday the 24th is where we finally get a window. The swell drops to a much more manageable 7 ft from the SSE, still a solid 12-second period, so there’s some real push. The combined energy is moderate (1158). The morning is the key: a light offshore wind from the North, clean conditions. This is the standout for experienced surfers. It’s not for groms, but if you’ve got the skills, Monday morning is the best on offer in this whole forecast. The crowd factor is “sometimes” here, so you might have some company, but it shouldn’t be a circus.

The rest of the week into September is a slow fade. We get a bit of a pulse on Wednesday the 26th with 4 ft from the SE and a very long 14-second period, combined with a gentle offshore wind. The energy is moderate (658). It’s a decent, clean option, but not a standout. The following days drop off into small, ordinary surf. By the end of the month and into September, it’s back to flatness and poor conditions. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no shock there.

Bottom line: if you’re an experienced surfer, circle Monday the 24th, early morning. For everyone else, there’s not much else to get excited about. The gap between the heavy stuff and the tiny stuff is long, but that Monday is a true gem for the crew who can handle it.

Rusty.

Read more