Copacabana Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer at Copacabana over the next couple of weeks.

Overall, we’ve got a real mixed bag. The first few days are a bit of a write-off, but there are a couple of windows where it’ll be well worth paddling out. The water temp is sitting around average for the time of year, so nothing wild there.

The first real chance to get wet comes on Saturday the 29th of August in the morning. We’ve got a clean 5ft NW groundswell rolling in with a 9-second period, and the wind is glassy. The combined energy is moderate (333). It’s a bit small for the experts, but for an intermediate, this is a solid session. There’s a chance of crowds though, as it can get busy here.

Saturday afternoon on the 29th turns ugly. The wind swings around to a cross-on N’ly at 15 mph, and the surf gets messy. Not worth it.

Sunday the 30th is a complete no-go. Onshore NW wind all day and the conditions are poor. Monday the 31st of August, however, is a standout. The morning is glassy, with a 5ft NW swell, period of 10 seconds, and the combined energy is strong (528). The forecast says “expect very good surf conditions.” This is the one to circle. Get out there early, because the afternoon gets ruined by a cross-on wind.

Tuesday the 1st of September is a weird one. The morning is crossed up and marginal, but the afternoon turns glassy with a 4ft NW swell. It’s small, but clean. A good option for a fun, easy session.

From Wednesday the 2nd through to Friday the 4th, the swell drops right off. We’re looking at knee-to-waist high waves, mostly under 2ft, with very low energy (33-97). There are a few glassy moments, but it’s pretty ordinary. A gap of a few days with nothing exciting.

Then things get interesting again. Saturday the 5th of September morning sees a 4ft NW swell with a decent 10-second period, and a clean cross-off breeze. The energy is moderate (351). A promising start to the weekend. The afternoon on the 5th picks up more size and period, hitting 5ft from the NW with a 13-second period. That’s a proper groundswell, and the combined energy is strong (846). The wind is a fresh cross-off at 19 mph, which will groom the faces, but that wind strength means it’ll be a bit tricky. It’s a better option for the more experienced.

Sunday the 6th of September morning is the next big standout. Glassy conditions, 5ft NW swell with a 12-second period, and combined energy at 628. The forecast says “expect very good surf conditions.” This is a gem. The afternoon on the 6th gets a cross-on wind, so stick to the morning.

Monday the 7th and Tuesday the 8th are mostly poor, with cross-on winds and messy waves, though Tuesday afternoon has a little more size at 5ft from the NW with an 11-second period, but the wind is onshore. Marginal at best.

Now, Wednesday the 9th of September is a big one for the brave. The morning has a 7ft NW swell, period 11 seconds, and the combined energy is very strong (1151). That’s a lot of water moving. The wind is a clean cross-off, but at 7ft, this is for experts only. Too big for beginners. The afternoon on the 9th is similar, 7ft from the NNW. This is serious, powerful surf.

The rest of the period from Thursday the 10th to Sunday the 13th of September drops right back down. The swell fades, and conditions are mostly poor or very ordinary with small waves. Not worth planning a trip around.

So, the clearest standouts: Monday the 31st of August morning and Sunday the 6th of September morning. Both are glassy, with clean chest-to-head-high NW swell and good energy. Go get it.

Rusty.

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