El Corniche Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on offer for this stretch of coast.

To be straight with you, this outlook is a tough one. We’ve got a long stretch of small, wind-affected, weak swell with onshore or cross-onshore winds that just won’t let up. There’s a period of nothing worth chasing for days, and even when things try to lift slightly, the conditions just don’t line up.

The only spot on the radar is El Corniche, and it’s a real shame because it’s only described as rarely breaking. That’s the first clue it’s not a spot that lights up often. For this entire 16-day window, the first recommendation that even registers a score is not until Thursday the 27th of August, and even then it’s marginal at best. We’re looking at a solid 2-day gap at the start with zero to chase.

Let’s run through it.

Tuesday 25th August – 2 ft of weak, 6-second wind swell coming from the northwest, with a 12 mph onshore wind. Combined energy is tiny at just 27. Water temp is a very unusual 85°F, which is a massive 5°F warmer than normal—pretty wild for this time of year. But that’s the only standout here. Poor surf.

Wednesday 26th – Slight bump up to 3 ft in the morning and 3 ft in the afternoon, but still 6-second period and 12 mph onshore winds. Energy climbs to 65 and 75, still weak. Not worth paddling out.

Thursday 27th August – The only glimmer of hope in the first week. Morning sees 3 ft from the NNW with a light 6 mph onshore wind. Still short period at 6 seconds, energy only 53. This is the first time we get a “marginal” tag. The wind is light, which is something, but it’s still onshore and the swell is tiny. It’s the least poor option, but I can’t call it good.

From there, it’s more of the same. Friday 28th and Saturday 29th see the swell height climb to 4 ft and then 5 ft, with period stretching only to 8 seconds. The wind is cross-onshore or onshore, 12-19 mph, creating a choppy mess. Energy Saturday morning hits 227—moderate at last—but the quality is still poor. This is not paddle-surfable in any meaningful way; if you’ve got a kite, maybe interesting.

Sunday 30th August – The best swell of the whole run arrives. 6 ft from the NNW, 9-second period, energy jumps to 488 (strong). But the wind is a light cross-onshore 6 mph. This is the only session where I’d say there’s potential for a few, but it’s still marginal. The short period means it’ll be a bit soft and peaky, not well-shaped. You’d need to pick your tide and hope the wind stays light. It’s still not clean.

After that, the swell fades fast. Monday 31st back to 4 ft and dropping. Through September 1st to the 3rd, we’re back below 2 ft with short period and onshore winds. Energy drops to the teens. It’s a dead zone.

A slight, very slight lift around Saturday 5th September to 3 ft, but with 7-second period and cross-onshore breeze, it’s still no good. Sunday 6th September sees 4 ft with a light onshore, energy hits 100, but the period is still short. Marginal, again.

The final days, Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th September, are back to 3 ft and below, with the smallest 1 ft on the 9th and energy at just 9. Run is done.

The bottom line: If you absolutely have to get wet, Sunday morning 30th August at El Corniche is the pick of a bad bunch. The swell is the biggest (6 ft), the period is longest (9 seconds), and the wind is as light as it gets (6 mph cross-onshore). The energy is strong at 488. But it’s still not clean, the swell direction is NW (not ideal for a spot exposed to N), and the break itself rarely works. Don’t expect much.

Beyond that, this 16-day window is largely a write-off. Forecasts can change, but as it stands, pack a book, not a board.

Rusty.

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