El Estero Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for El Estero. It’s a bit of a slow burner, but there’s a couple of real gems hiding in this forecast if you’re patient.

We’re kicking off with a bit of a flat spell, honestly. The first few days from Saturday the 22nd through to the start of the week are offering small, weak swell. The surf is there, but it’s nothing to write home about – just small 2ft to 2ft waves from the SW. The wind is a bit messy too, often cross-off or side-shore, which keeps things clean enough but not special. The water temp is sitting at 86°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you can leave the steamer at home.

The real action starts to build towards the end of the first week. Friday morning the 28th is when things get interesting. The swell ticks up to 3ft from the SW, with a solid 19-second period pumping in. That’s proper groundswell energy, folks, and the combined energy reading of 689 (moderate) tells you there’s some grunt in the water. The wind is a light cross-offshore breeze, keeping the surface clean. This is a solid, fun day.

Now, the standout window. Mark your calendars for Saturday the 29th. The morning session is the pick of the entire forecast. We’re looking at 5ft of SW swell, a 16-second period, and a gentle offshore wind from the east. The combined energy is a beefy 1153 (strong wave energy). This is excellent surf, but that 5ft mark means it’s getting a bit big for beginners – experienced surfers will be in their element. The waves will be clean, lined up, and offering proper power.

The next real highlight is a long way off, but it looks like a cracker. Friday the 4th of September, both morning and afternoon, are absolute fire. The swell jumps to 6ft in the morning and 6ft in the afternoon from the SW, with an 18 to 17-second period. The combined energy is through the roof – 1947 in the morning and 2173 in the afternoon (very strong wave energy). The wind is offshore and light, which means smooth, glassy faces. This is expert territory, no doubt about it. The crowd factor at El Estero is "often" busy, so expect company when the waves are this good.

Saturday the 5th of September keeps the big swell going – 6ft from the SW – but the afternoon turns a bit cross-onshore, so the morning is the go. The energy is still massive (1567), and the offshore wind in the morning will have it set up beautifully.

After that, the swell drops back a touch for the 6th, but at 5ft with a 14-second period, it’s still a very solid, clean option for a Sunday session.

So, to sum it up: the early part is small and average. The real standouts are the morning of Saturday the 29th of August for a solid, clean session, and the big prize is Friday the 4th of September for a powerful, expert-level day. Get on it.

Rusty.

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