El Estero Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. We’ve got a solid 16-day window ahead at El Estero, and it’s kicking off with a proper bang so don’t sleep on it.

The first real action hits Tuesday, July 28, early. We’re looking at a solid 6 ft groundswell out of the southwest, with a very long period of 18 seconds pumping in a ton of energy (1766). That’s a powerful, clean swell with a light ENE cross-off breeze putting a nice face on it. The water’s sitting at 86°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you can leave the wetsuit at home. This is excellent surf, but make no mistake – at this size, with that kind of power, it’s for experienced surfers only. The long period means the sets will be spaced out, making the paddle out easier, but the waves will be bowling up nicely. Stick to the river mouth setup here.

Wednesday morning, July 29, keeps the quality high with a 5 ft SW swell, 16-second period, and more clean cross-off wind. The energy is still strong (1232). It’s still a bit chunky for beginners, but the conditions are prime for the intermediate crew.

Thursday, July 30, sees a drop to 4 ft, but the wind stays clean out of the ENE. The energy is backing off (705) but it’s still fun, clean surf. Then Friday, July 31, through Saturday, August 1, the swell fades further to 3 ft and 3 ft, with mornings offering the cleanest conditions. The afternoons get a bit of a cross-on breeze, so plan your sessions early.

Now, there’s a real glassy gem on Sunday, August 2. The swell drops to 2 ft, but it’s a 15-second period and the wind goes glassy out of the ESE in the morning. That’s about as clean as it gets, perfect for a longboard or a funboard. The energy is low (245), but the quality of the wave will be high.

The following week sees a bit of a lull, with small surf from August 3 through August 7. Mornings offer the best chance for a clean, small wave, but the afternoons get messy. August 5 through 7 in particular are very weak, with energy dropping as low as 55. It’s a quiet stretch.

Then, the outlook picks up again on Saturday, August 8. The afternoon session looks magic with a 3 ft SW swell, 15-second period, and glassy conditions out of the ENE. The energy jumps back up (468). That’s the standout of the second week. The next day, Sunday, August 9, is plagued by a stiff 15 mph cross-off wind, so it’s blown out, but Monday, August 10, has a promising afternoon with a moderate offshore wind out of the east, a 3 ft SSW swell, and strong energy (503). That’s a very good session in the making.

The final few days from August 11 to 12 offer a bit more size, but the wind tends to turn cross-on in the afternoons, making the mornings the only real window. The 18-second period swell on Wednesday, August 12, morning is worth a look if you can get out early.

The standout of the whole period is the Tuesday morning, July 28, session – that’s the big, powerful, clean one for the experienced crew. The second standout is the glassy afternoon on Saturday, August 8, for anyone wanting a silky smooth ride.

Stay stoked, and keep your eyes on the horizon.

- Rusty

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