El Chinchorro Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s look at what’s on the table for the next 16 days. We’ve got one spot on the radar, and it’s a bit of a mixed bag upfront, but there’s some serious firepower brewing later on.

We’re starting off with a bit of a slow grind. The first few days have waves, but they’re not clean enough to get too excited about. The water’s sitting at 63°, which is pretty much bang on average for the time of year, so no surprises there.

Saturday the 11th is a write-off. We’ve got a solid 5ft to 6ft SSW swell pumping in, but the wind is on it, and the wave comment is just “marginal.” It’s not worth paddling out for. The combined energy is high (1164 to 1456), but without the wind, it’s just a mess.

Sunday the 12th is where it gets interesting. Morning glass-off at El Chinchorro. The wind is dead calm, and the swell is still a solid 5ft from the SSW with a nice 13-second period. That’s a groundswell, and it’ll be holding some shape. The forecast says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers,” and I’d agree. The crowds are listed as “sometimes,” so expect a few locals out, but it’ll be worth it. This is the standout of the first week. The energy is moderate (1067), but the quality will be there.

Monday the 13th is a bit of a tease. The morning is still onshore, but the afternoon glass-off gives you a 5ft SSW swell with a 14-second period. The comment says “expect very good surf conditions,” so if you can sneak out in the afternoon, it’s a solid option.

Tuesday the 14th drops off a bit. The swell dips to 4ft, but the period is a long 16 seconds in the morning. That’s a very long period groundswell, which means it’ll be hitting the point at El Chinchorro nicely, but it’s going to be breaking straight at a beach break. The energy is still moderate (1135), but the wave size is small. Only for the patient.

Wednesday the 15th morning has a glass-off with 5ft SW swell and a 13-second period. Again, “expect very good surf conditions.” That’s a good window.

Thursday the 16th morning is onshore, but the afternoon glass-off brings back 5ft SW swell with a 13-second period and a “very good” call. Consistent theme here: the mornings or afternoons with glassy conditions are the ones to target.

Now, let’s talk about the second week. Saturday the 19th is a beast. The morning is glassy, and the swell jumps to 8ft from the SW with a 14-second period. The combined energy is massive (2174). That’s a strong, powerful groundswell. The report says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers,” and for good reason. At 8ft, this is expert territory. It’s too big for beginners. The crowds are “sometimes,” but on a day like this, the crew will be out. This is the absolute standout of the entire period.

Monday the 20th morning is another glass-off with 6ft from the WSW and a 12-second period. “Very good” conditions. A safer option for the stronger intermediate.

Then things get a bit wild. Tuesday the 21st afternoon sees 13ft from the SW with a 16-second period and an energy reading of 7806. That is a massive, powerful, very long period groundswell. The report says it’s too big for this break. And it’s cross-onshore. This is a kite-surfing setup, not a paddle day. Wednesday the 22nd is similar, with 10ft and cross-onshore winds. Leave the stick at home.

The end of the period settles back down. Friday the 24th morning has a glass-off with 6ft SW swell and an 11-second period. “Excellent for experienced surfers” again. Saturday the 25th morning is glassy with 4ft SSW swell, “very good” conditions. A nice way to finish.

So, to wrap it up: the best on offer is Sunday the 12th morning for a clean, punchy session, and the absolute standout is Sunday the 19th morning for the big, powerful groundswell. But that one is for the experts only. The rest of the time, pick your windows with the glassy mornings and afternoons.

Rusty.

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