El Palito Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, and I’ve gotta level with you – this is a tough stretch for our local spot, El Palito (a beach and breakwater setup). We’re staring down the barrel of a 16-day window that’s mostly flat, so let’s just call it what it is.

Right from the start, there's nothing to get excited about. The first week is basically a write-off. You’ve got Tuesday September 1st offering a tiny sliver of 3ft swell out of the NE with a short 7-second period and a combined energy of just 65. That’s weak tea. Couple that with a light NNE breeze offshore in the morning, but the whole thing is flagged as “poor surf conditions” – it’s just not happening. After that, it’s a long dry spell. From Tuesday afternoon right through until Friday September 5th, there’s nothing. It’s a proper flat spell.

Saturday September 5th morning gives you another little tease: 2ft NE swell, 6-second period, 34 energy. Again, offshore NNE wind, but still “poor surf conditions.” The water is a warm 84°F, which is about normal for the time of year.

Then we hit another gap. From Saturday afternoon all the way until Friday September 11th, it’s mostly zeros. That’s a solid five days of nothing. Friday September 11th sees a tiny 0.3ft pulse from the north with a 10-second period – long period for sure, but only 2 energy. It’s not going to do anything.

Finally, towards the very end of the forecast, we get a glimmer. On Tuesday September 15th morning, the wind swings around to a S 12 mph offshore. That’s clean. But the swell is still tiny: 2ft from the NE with a pathetic 5-second period and 19 energy. It’s clean, but there’s no push. The same goes for Wednesday September 16th – clean wind but 1ft and 9 energy.

So what’s the best on offer? Honestly, there isn’t a standout. If I had to point to something, I’d say Tuesday September 15th morning. The offshore wind sets it apart, and for a complete beginner on a small day, it might be the only time the surface is clean. But don’t kid yourself – it’s marginal. Thursday September 3rd and Sunday September 6th have glassy mornings, but with no swell to speak of, they’re just flat, pretty water.

For the vast majority of this 16-day run, you’re better off finding another hobby. The break is fairly consistent usually, so this blank run feels longer than normal. Hopefully, the models will look better in a day or two.

Rusty.

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