El Gringo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here.

We’ve got a slow start, but the second week is shaping up for those who can hold out. The early days are small, with onshore winds and dodgy tides, so don’t rush.

The only spot in the game is El Gringo, a reef break that needs a solid SW groundswell. It’s pretty consistent, but from Tuesday 21st to Wednesday 23rd, it’s a washout. Swell around 3 ft to 5 ft, straight onshore wind from the WSW or SSW, and wave energy sitting moderate (530 to 657). The tide windows are poor. Just a dry spell.

Thursday 24th morning is the first real look. The wind goes glassy, light NW, with 4 ft of SW swell (10-second period). The energy is moderate (713), and the forecast says “expect very good surf conditions.” The reef should be clean. The afternoon drops to a tiny 2 ft, 20-second groundswell with cross-onshore wind, so morning is the session.

The weekend (Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th) is a mixed bag. Cross-onshore wind, inconsistent swell. Saturday morning has 3 ft at 12 seconds, but that light cross-onshore will put a wrinkle on it. Sunday drops to 3 ft, with a long 16-second period that will wrap the reef, but the wind turns onshore in the afternoon.

Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th are the turning point. Monday morning sees 4 ft at 18 seconds – very long period – and energy is getting strong (964). Still onshore though. By Monday afternoon, the swell is 4 ft at 16 seconds (energy 1088). The power is building.

Tuesday 28th morning is the first standout. Swell hits 6 ft from the SW, period 15 seconds, and the wind is glassy. The wave energy is strong (1318), and the forecast says “excellent surf for experienced surfers.” The water temp is about average for the time of year. This is a proper groundswell. Over 5 ft, so not for beginners, and the crowd might show up.

Wednesday 29th is even better. Glassy conditions all day, swell building from 7 ft to 7 ft, period 13-14 seconds, and energy surging to 1430-1527. That’s strong wave energy. The reef will be firing. Experts only – 7 ft+ is serious. The crowd will be on it, but it’s worth it.

Thursday 30th is still solid. Morning has a light cross-onshore with 6 ft at 13 seconds (energy 1111). The afternoon glassed off, 6 ft at 13 seconds (energy 985), and “very good surf conditions.” Another good session.

The rest of the window fades. Friday 31st and Saturday 1st have smaller swell and onshore winds. Sunday 2nd August is a danger zone. The swell is predicted to be 10 ft from the SW, period 15 seconds, with insane wave energy of 4121. The wind is glassy in the morning, but the forecast says it’s too big for this break. Do not paddle out. Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th drop to 8 ft and 7 ft, still big, but onshore wind. Wednesday 5th is down to 6 ft, onshore, energy moderate (632). The run is done.

Best on offer:
- Tuesday 28th July morning (6 ft, SW, glassy, 15-second period) – clean, powerful, experienced surfers only.
- Wednesday 29th July (7-7 ft, SW, glassy all day) – the big one, experts only, the best of the 16 days.

Stay patient, hit the glassy windows, and steer clear of that 10 ft day.

Rusty.

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