El Canal (Rio de Bayamon) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get real about the stretch ahead. The outlook is about as flat as a Monday morning. I’ve looked at the whole 16-day window, and to be honest, there’s nothing to get excited about for a paddle. This is one of those runs where the ocean just isn’t cooperating.

The only spot on the menu is El Canal (Rio de Bayamon). It’s a river mouth that rarely breaks, so we’re already fighting an uphill battle. The water temp is about average for the time of year, nothing unusual there to report.

Starting Sunday, July 12th, we’ve got a little bump of 4 ft from the ENE, but it’s short period (6 seconds) and the wind is a stiff 16 mph from the East. That’s a cross-off wind, which keeps the surface clean, but the energy is weak (116). The wave comment is flat out "poor surf conditions," so I wouldn’t paddle out. The afternoon drops to 0.7 ft – total dud.

Monday the 13th through Saturday the 18th is a brutal stretch. Swell heights are mostly below 1 ft, and the energy readings are tiny (between 5 and 23). There’s a brief flicker on Tuesday afternoon, July 14th, with a 3 ft swell from the East, but it’s still short period (7 seconds) and the energy is moderate (124). Still, every single entry says "poor surf conditions." It’s a no-go.

Sunday, July 19th, stays flat with 0.7 ft. Then we get a slight pulse on Monday, July 20th, and Tuesday, July 21st. We’re looking at 4 ft from the ENE on Monday, with moderate energy (133 and 125), but the period is still short (6 seconds). The wind is still up at 16-19 mph. It’s clean, but it’s not surfable quality. Tuesday offers 3 ft from the ENE, still short period (8 seconds), and the same cross-off breeze. The "poor surf conditions" tag doesn’t change.

The rest of the run from Wednesday, July 22nd, all the way to Monday, July 27th, is more of the same. We see a few 3 ft to 4 ft days from the ENE, with energy creeping into the low triple digits (102-105), but the period never gets above 7 seconds. The wind is a constant 16-19 mph. It’s clean but weak. Not a single standout. For a spot that is already inconsistent and sheltered, this is a total washout.

Honestly, if you’re looking for a paddle, you’re out of luck. With that stiff East wind and the short-period chop, the setup at this beach-and-river break looks more interesting for a kite surfer than a paddle surfer. It’s a blank run, and for this area, a long stretch of nothing is pretty normal. Forecasts can change, but right now, I’d leave the board at home.

Rusty.

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