Drakes Estero Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for Drakes Estero over the next couple of weeks.

Right now, the swell is running with moderate energy (431) and a messy 4ft from the WNW at 8 seconds, so nothing to get too excited about. The water temp is sitting at 56°, which is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The standout window looks like Monday the 13th, early. That morning we’ve got a solid 6ft of NW swell, still short period at 8 seconds, but the combined energy jumps up to 824 (moderate). The wind is a cross-offshore breeze, keeping things clean. It’s a fairly consistent spot, Drakes Estero (a beach/river setup), and it’s exposed to the SW swell direction – the optimum direction here. Worth a paddle if you’re beginner-friendly, but this swell size is fine for that level. Crowds are possible, so keep an eye out.

Another one to circle is Monday the 20th, afternoon. The swell drops to 3ft, but it’s a long-period 16 seconds from the SW, with very clean conditions and a light cross-offshore breeze. The combined energy is still moderate (702), and it’s a real long-period groundswell, so those waves will have some shape and punch. Drakes Estero being a river/beach break, long-period stuff can straighten out a bit, but the wind is in your favour.

After the 13th, the week gets blown out with strong winds and poor conditions until the 17th. That Friday morning the 17th sees a small 2ft from the W with a very long 17-second period, but it’s marginal – combined energy (619) is moderate, but the wind is cross-off, so you might score a few clean ones if you’re patient. The 18th to 19th have tiny, long-period swells, but the wind shifts onshore for some of it.

The second week stays petite, with most days offering 2ft to 4ft of swell, but the long-period windows (13-18 seconds) pop up now and then. Saturday the 26th morning has a clean 3ft from the SSW at 12 seconds, light cross-off breeze, and combined energy of 688 (moderate). It’s a nice little session, but nothing firing.

Overall, the best bet is Monday the 13th morning for a decent swell, and Monday the 20th afternoon for a clean, long-period glassy session. The rest is a mixed bag of small, marginal, or windy conditions. Keep your expectations in check, but there’s a couple of windows to work with.

Rusty.

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