Drakes Estero Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

Right off the bat, it’s a bit of a slow start. We’ve got some small, weak swell rolling in, but the conditions are just not cooperating. The first real chance to paddle out comes on Thursday afternoon, August 6th, when the wind swings offshore and cleans things up. The waves are tiny, around 2ft from the SW, with a long period of 13 seconds, so it’s more of a longboard glide than anything with punch. The combined energy is moderate at 183 — enough to keep you moving, but you won’t be getting barrelled.

Friday morning on August 7th is a no-go with cross-onshore wind messing it up. But Friday afternoon shows some promise again with clean conditions and a touch more period at 19 seconds, pushing the energy up to a solid 317. Still, the swell height is only 2ft. It’s marginal, but if you’re desperate for a slide, that’s your window.

Saturday, August 8th, brings a similar story. Clean in the afternoon with a 2ft SSW swell, 17 second period, and energy at 377. It’s surfable, but you’re really working for it. The water temp is sitting at 56°F, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so don’t forget the booties.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Sunday morning, August 9th, the swell jumps up to 8ft from the NW, with a short period of 9 seconds. That’s a lot of raw energy — 1550 — which is strong, but it’s a short-period wind swell, so it’s gonna be a bit lumpy and unruly. The wind is offshore, keeping it clean, but at 8ft, this is expert territory only. The afternoon drops to 6ft, still clean, but the energy is still high at 713. This is probably the best session on offer for the week if you’ve got the skills.

Monday through Thursday, August 10th to 13th, is a bit of a washout. The swell is around 5ft from the WNW, but the wind is onshore or cross-onshore, and the conditions are described as poor to marginal. The energy stays moderate to strong (500-600 range), but the wind just ruins it. By Thursday afternoon, August 13th, the swell drops to 4ft and the period drops to 8 seconds, and it’s just not worth it.

We hit a real dry spell from Friday, August 14th through Sunday, August 16th. The swell is small and the wind is mostly onshore or messy. Sunday morning, August 16th, does show clean conditions with a 3ft SW swell at 16 seconds, but the energy is only 441. It’s a tease.

Then, we get a nice little pulse on Wednesday, August 19th. The morning shows 5ft from the WNW, with a short 7-second period, but the wind is light offshore and the conditions are "very good." The energy is a solid 580. That’s a fun, punchy wave for a beach break, and it’s clean. The afternoon gets bigger at 7ft, but the wind picks up and it becomes more of a challenge.

The final standout is Thursday, August 20th. Both morning and afternoon have 6ft to 7ft from the WNW, with a consistent 8-second period, and the wind is offshore and light to gentle. The energy is strong in the 700s. This is the best bet for the second week — clean, solid, and punchy. Just remember, over 8ft is expert-only, but this is right in the sweet spot for experienced surfers.

So, the best on offer is the early morning of August 19th for a clean, punchy session, and then all of Thursday, August 20th for a solid, clean day of waves. The rest of the time, you’re either fighting the wind or waiting for the next pulse.

Stay stoked.

Rusty

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