Drakes Estero Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right. Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at the next couple of weeks, starting with the only spot that’s really on the cards: Drakes Estero.

Alright, so the outlook is a bit of a slow burner, but there’s a small window of something decent. The water is sitting at 55.8°, which is pretty much normal for the time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real chance to get wet is Monday morning, July 20. It’s not going to be a classic, though. We’ve got a 2-foot SW groundswell with a long 16-second period, and the combined energy is moderate at 421. The wind is a light cross-onshore, which is just going to put a bit of a wrinkle on the surface. I’d call it a paddle-around session, but nothing to get excited about.

Monday afternoon the swell picks up a touch to 2.6 feet, still from the SW and that same long period. The energy bumps up to 501 (moderate). The wind turns cross-shore, which is a bit better, but it’s still got some cross-chop. It’s marginal.

Tuesday morning, July 21, is more of the same: 3-foot SW swell, 14-second period, light cross-shore wind. The energy is 432. It’s clean enough, but just a bit weak. The afternoon is where things start to look a little better. The wind swings to a light cross-offshore from the NW, and the swell holds at 2.6 feet. The energy is 462. It’s clean. You’ll get a few fun ones if you’re patient.

Wednesday, July 22, is a mixed bag. The morning has a light cross-onshore and 2.3-foot swell, so it’s not great. The afternoon cleans up with a cross-offshore wind and 2.6-foot SSW swell. The energy is 364, so it’s on the weaker side. Still, if you’re a beginner, this is your window.

Now, Thursday, July 23, is the first real standout. The morning has a 3.3-foot SSW swell, 14-second period, and a light cross-offshore wind from the WNW. The energy is a solid 555 (moderate). The conditions are clean. This is the best session of the first week. The afternoon is also clean, but the wind picks up to a moderate breeze, so it’s not as glassy. Still, it’s a good day.

Friday, July 24, the swell stays at 3.9 feet from the SSW, but the wind is a moderate to fresh cross-offshore. The energy jumps to 1045 in the morning and 1384 in the afternoon (strong). It’s clean, but the wind is getting a bit more push. It’s still rideable, but it’s not the best of the run.

Saturday, July 25, the swell drops to 3 feet from the SW, but the period goes all the way to 21 seconds – that’s a very long period groundswell. The energy is 1300 in the morning and 1175 in the afternoon (strong). The wind is a moderate to fresh cross-offshore. This is interesting. That long period means the waves will have plenty of push, but at a beach/river setup like this, it might break too straight. Still, it’s worth a look for the more experienced surfers.

Sunday, July 26, the morning is similar: 3-foot SW swell, 19-second period, moderate cross-offshore. Energy is 1094. The afternoon, though, is a different

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