El Gringo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks. Let's talk about what's happening at El Gringo. This is a solid reef break that needs the right combo to really go off, and for the next couple of weeks, we've got a lot to work with. The water's at 66°, which is a touch warmer than usual for this time of year – feels nice.

It starts small and clean on Sunday the 23rd. We've got a 3ft SSW swell pushing in with a 9-second period, and the wind is glassy. The combined swell energy is 270, which is modest, but the conditions make it work. Expect good surf on Sunday morning – those little lines will be peeling.

Monday the 24th is smaller, around 3ft to 2ft, with glassy conditions in the morning, but it’s very ordinary. Tuesday the 25th sees a bump up to 3ft with the period stretching to 11 seconds, and by Tuesday afternoon it's glassy again – expect good surf.

Wednesday the 26th is where we start to see more energy. Still around 3ft to 4ft, but the period hits 12 seconds and the combined energy climbs to 435. Glassy conditions in the afternoon mean those waves will have some shape.

Thursday the 27th drops back a little with a 3ft to 3ft SSW/SW swell, but the wind is light cross-onshore, so not as clean.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Friday the 28th, the swell really kicks in. We're looking at 8ft from the SW, with a 16-second period. The combined energy is a massive 2938 to 3026. That’s strong to very strong wave energy. The wind is light cross-onshore in the morning and light offshore in the afternoon. That's proper groundswell – long period, heaps of power. For a reef like this, that’s the sweet spot. It's big though – over 8ft – so only for experts. This is a standout session for those who can handle it.

Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th are still solid, with 7ft to 6ft SW swells and periods around 14 to 13 seconds. The energy stays high (1759 to 1038), and winds are light offshore or glassy. Still very good, but the peak is Friday.

The first week of September keeps the swell going, but it’s a bit more moderate. Monday the 31st and Tuesday the 1st see 5ft to 6ft SW/SSW swells, with combined energy in the 700 to 800 range. Winds are light, mostly offshore or cross-onshore.

Wednesday the 2nd and Thursday the 3rd see another pulse, with Thursday morning showing a 5ft SW swell with a 17-second period and a combined energy of 1613. That’s another long-period groundswell.

The big one hits Friday the 4th of September – 8ft from the SW, 16-second period, and a combined energy of 3128 to 3256. That’s huge, powerful, and definitely expert-only.

The weekend of the 5th and 6th of September is still solid, with 7ft to 6ft swells, but the energy drops back to the 2000 to 1300 range.

The best on offer? No question – Friday the 28th of August and Friday the 4th of September. Both are expert-only, big, long-period SW groundswells with light winds. For the reef, that’s as good as it gets. The crowds here are 'sometimes,' so you might have company, but the waves will be worth it.

- Rusty

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