El Canal Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, let’s get real. The next couple of weeks are looking like a total drought around here. We’ve got a flat spell that feels like it’s going to last forever, and most of the time it’s not even worth Padding out. We’re looking at a stretch where there’s just nothing going on, and it’s going to be a long wait. Most of this period is a straight-up write-off, so keep the expectations low.

The forecast kicks off with a real dud, and it just keeps on coming. The first surf we see on offer isn't until the 25th of August, so we’re talking about a solid ten-day gap right off the bat with nothing but small, weak, and messy waves. That’s a long time to be looking at a flat ocean.

When we finally do see something, it’s not exactly a hero-maker. The standout, if you can call it that, is on the morning of Tuesday the 25th of August. We’ve got a 6.5ft east swell rolling in at El Canal. The energy jumps up to a strong 1023. It’s not perfect, and the wind is a moderate cross-shore, so it’ll be a bit lumpy, but it’s the most size we’ve seen in a while. This is a powerful, long-period groundswell, with a period over 11 seconds, so it’ll have some punch, but at a reef setup like El Canal it should hold up better than it would at a beach break. It’s for the advanced crew though; at 6.5ft, it’s too much for beginners.

The easterly swell direction is right on the money for what El Canal wants, which is a point in its favor. But the wind and the fact that it's been flat for so long is a big caution. The rest of that week just fades back into poor surf and cross-shore winds and small, weak energy. The following days see the swell drop off, but we do get another pulse of energy on the 27th of August with a 5.5ft east swell and a moderate energy reading of 554. It’s still just questionably clean, so it’s not going to be a classic. But it’s something to look at if you’re keen.

Honestly, after a gap like that, the whole period is a tough call. The only time it looks really interesting is that Tuesday the 25th, and even then, it’s not going to be a stand-up, glassy kind of day. The long period is a plus, but the wind will keep it from being perfect. It’s a promising but uncertain call, being that far out. The rest of the time, you're just looking at a whole lot of nothing, and that’s just how it goes sometimes. It's a blank run for the area, so don't stress over it. Forecasts can change, but I wouldn’t be holding my breath.

Read more