El Estero Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

We’ve got one spot on the radar for the next couple of weeks: El Estero. This is a river mouth setup, which means it can really turn on with the right swell. The water’s sitting at a touch warmer than usual for this time of year, 86°, so you’ll be comfortable in a shorty or just boardshorts.

The first real action kicks off Friday morning, the 4th of September. We’ve got a solid 5ft groundswell rolling in from the SW, with a long 17 second period. That’s a proper long-period groundswell, and at a river mouth, that energy is going to wrap in and produce some well-shaped, lined-up waves. The combined energy is strong (1443), and with a light ENE breeze keeping it cross-off, the surf is going to be clean and inviting. This is the standout of the entire outlook. If you’re an experienced surfer, be on it. The afternoon swings onshore and gets choppy, so make the morning session.

Saturday morning, the 5th, is another cracker. Swell holds at 6ft, still from the SW, period dropping slightly to 16 seconds. The wind is offshore from the ENE at 6 mph, and the wave energy is still strong (1459). This is going to be excellent, clean surf for the experienced crew. The weekend mornings are the clear winners here.

Sunday the 6th keeps the quality rolling in the morning. 5ft of SW swell, 14 second period, and light offshore ENE wind. The energy is down a notch (862) but still moderate and clean. It’s a very good session. The afternoons all weekend get a bit messy with chance of storms and onshore breezes, so stick to the early bird slots.

By Monday the 7th and Tuesday the 8th, the swell drops back to 4ft and 2ft, but the conditions are still clean. Tuesday afternoon even goes glassy with a 2ft wave from the SW. The combined energy is moderate (514). It’s fun, small-wave gear territory.

The next notable return of quality comes on Wednesday the 9th. The morning is clean with offshore wind, but the real treat is the afternoon: glassy calm, 4ft of SW swell at 16 seconds, and a combined energy of 730. That’s a clean, fun afternoon session.

Thursday the 10th has a bit more size (4ft) but the wind picks up in the morning (16 mph NE) making it a bit tricky. The afternoon goes offshore and clean again. Not a standout, but worth a look.

The following week shows a gradual decline in size, but conditions remain mostly clean through the mornings. The 16th of September morning brings a little bump back to 4ft, with a 16 second period and light offshore ESE wind, energy of 726. That’s a nice surprise for mid-September.

The 18th of September morning is a real wildcard: 3ft, but from a 21 second period groundswell, glassy calm. That’s a very long-period pulse, which will make the waves at the river mouth stand up and peel, even if they’re not big. The combined energy is moderate (738). It’s a morning for the purists.

There are no other breaks in the mix, so El Estero is your only option. It’s a consistent river mouth, and the crowds are often there, so expect company, especially on the good mornings. For the best of the best, lock in Friday the 4th and Saturday the 5th mornings. After that, keep an eye on the 9th and 16th for clean, smaller sessions.

Rusty.

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