Chapadmalal Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, I'm Rusty. Let's cut to the chase — the 16-day window for Chapadmalal is a real mixed bag, with a fair bit of waiting for the good stuff. The water here is sitting at 10°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so that's a small comfort.

Right now, Wednesday afternoon, we've got tiny 1 ft swell from the ENE with a 9-second period and weak energy (40). The wind is offshore from the NW, so it's clean, but the waves are just ordinary. Honestly, it's a bit of a flat spell to start.

Thursday morning stays clean with offshore NW wind, but the swell drops to 1.0 ft — barely a ripple. Thursday afternoon brings a shift: a 3 ft SW windswell, but the cross-shore SSW wind at 22 mph chops it up. No good.

Friday sees a jump in size — 7 ft from the S with a 9-second period on Friday morning, and moderate energy (646). But the wind is cross-onshore, lumpy, and ugly. Friday afternoon is similar with 7 ft and cross-shore wind. Saturday morning cleans up a bit with a 6 ft S swell (10 seconds, moderate energy of 707) and cross-offshore wind, but it's still marginal. Saturday afternoon, the swell hits 7 ft from the S (10 seconds) and energy jumps to 1007 (strong). The wind is cross-offshore and clean, but the swell is getting too big for this beginner-friendly point break — it's more for the experienced crew. Sunday is even bigger: 10 ft from the SSE with a long 14-second period, and energy is a massive 4237. The wind is cross-onshore, so it's big and messy — again, only for experts.

The standout window is shaping up for Tuesday the 25th of August. Tuesday morning brings a clean 4 ft SSE groundswell (11 seconds, moderate energy of 265) with light offshore NW wind. The waves should be well-shaped and clean — a rare moment of quality. This is the pick of the month, though it's a week away, so keep an eye on the forecasts.

After that, the surf fades fast. Wednesday the 26th has tiny 3 ft SSE swell and offshore wind, but it's ordinary. Thursday the 27th through to the end of the period is mostly ankle-to-knee-high dribble with weak energy and poor conditions. A few afternoons, like Friday the 28th, see glassy 3 ft SW windswell, but it's still just surfable. Overall, if you're a beginner, avoid the 6 ft+ days; the best bet is that Tuesday morning window.

Rusty.

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