El Estero Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s put it in feet.

We’re lookin’ at El Estero, a river mouth break exposed to the west-northwest. The water’s a touch warmer than usual for this time of year, so you won’t be needing a thick suit.

Monday the 24th starts small but clean. You’ve got a 2ft groundswell from the southwest with a long 18-second period. East-northeast wind is offshore, keeping it glassy. Energy is moderate (327). Get out there early because the afternoon turns into a choppy cross-onshore mess.

Tuesday the 25th is more of the same: 2ft swell with a 16-second period, moderate offshore breeze in the morning (energy 245). The afternoon gets cross-shore and stormy, so make it a dawn patrol.

Wednesday the 26th drops to a weak 2ft swell. The energy is low (140-153). Still clean with a cross-offshore wind in the morning, but it’s a day for the longboard or for learning.

Thursday the 27th is a sweet morning. The swell picks up period to 18 seconds on that small 2ft southwest swell (energy 230). Offshore ENE wind keeps it clean. Then the afternoon goes completely glassy with zero wind. That’s a rare, silky window at the river mouth.

Friday the 28th sees a jump in energy (654 morning, 479 afternoon) as the swell builds to 3ft with that long 19-second period. Morning is cross-offshore, but the afternoon turns into a proper offshore ENE wind at 15 mph. That’s clean, lined-up water.

Saturday the 29th is the big one. Morning swell hits 5ft from the SW with a 16-second period. Energy is strong, over 1100. Offshore east wind at 9 mph, clean, and the wave comment calls it excellent for experienced surfers. This is the standout of the first week. It’s too big for beginners, and the long period makes the river mouth tricky.

Sunday the 30th holds steady with 5ft swell (945 energy) and a 14-second period. Morning is clean with a cross-offshore NE breeze, and the afternoon goes glassy. Two solid sessions.

Monday the 31st eases to 4ft, still a decent 13-second groundswell. Clean in the morning, poor in the afternoon.

The first week of September keeps giving. Tuesday the 1st starts clean with 3ft. Wednesday the 2nd has 3ft with good energy (488) and clean airs. Thursday the 3rd is looking very good in the morning.

The real heavy hitter lands Friday September 4th. Morning brings 6ft of SW swell with a 17-second period. Energy is very strong (over 1800). Offshore east wind at 3 mph, clean. This is experts only—too big and powerful for the average surfer, with massive walling sets on the river mouth.

Saturday September 5th is also a monster: 6ft swell, glassy with no wind in the morning. Energy is huge (1709). Again, experts only.

After that, the swell slowly backs off into the second week, but Sunday the 7th still has a clean morning with 4ft.

Bottom line: If you know what you’re doing, the mornings of Saturday August 29th, Friday September 4th, and Saturday September 5th are your best shots. Big, clean, powerful groundswell. But don’t be late—afternoon winds will ruin it.

Stay sharp.

- Rusty

Read more