El Porto Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what El Porto Beach has cookin’ for us over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you – the first week is a bit of a struggle. We’ve got a long stretch from Sunday the 23rd of August right through to the end of the month that’s lookin’ pretty grim. The swell is tiny, mostly around 1 ft to 2 ft, and the wind is junk. It’s cross-on or straight onshore for most of that time, choppin' up whatever little bump there is. The water is a warm 70° which is about 5° warmer than usual for this time of year, so it’s a summer bath, but there’s just no energy to work with. The combined swell energy is weak, sitting in the low hundreds (199-249), and the period is long for the size, over 15 seconds, but it’s not enough to push through the wind. It’s a write-off for paddle surfing, honestly. If you’re into kite surfing, the wind on the 24th afternoon is a moderate 12 mph onshore, so that might be your only play.

We finally get a tiny glimmer of hope on Wednesday the 26th of August. The morning session sees a light cross-offshore breeze from the SSE at 6 mph, which cleans things right up. The swell is still small at 2 ft from the SW, with a period of 16 seconds, and the combined energy is 229 – still weak, but the clean conditions make it rideable for a beginner on a log. It’s the only morning that looks even remotely pleasant for a paddle.

The real story, though, is the second week. We start to see a proper pulse of energy. On Friday the 4th of September, the swell picks up to 3 ft from the SSW, with a 17-second period. The combined energy jumps to 590 on the morning, and it’s a strong, moderate energy. The wind is a light cross-on from the SW at 3 mph, and while it’s not perfect, the surf is finally building. That morning is a standout for the period, with a score that suggests the best we’ll see.

But the absolute best window is Sunday the 6th of September. The morning at El Porto Beach is looking magic. The wind goes light and cross-offshore from the SE at 6 mph, so the waves will be clean and glassy. The swell is 3 ft from the SSE with a 15-second period, which is a nice, long-period groundswell. The combined swell energy is 639 – that’s solid, moderate energy. For a beach break, the long period might make it a little straight, but with that clean wind and building size, it’s the pick of the whole forecast. The waves will have shape and power.

Monday the 7th of September morning is also worth a mention. Swell is up to 4 ft from the S, with a 14-second period and 631 energy. The wind is cross-off from the SSE at 9 mph, so it’s clean again. That’s a decent size, but still manageable for most intermediates. It’s the last proper stand-out before the forecast ends.

So, to sum it up: the first week is a bust. Don’t bother. The standout is the morning of Sunday the 6th of September – that’s the session you want to circle. The 7th of September morning is also a solid option. It’s a long wait, but the energy finally shows up. Crowds are likely at El Porto as it’s a consistent, exposed spot, so get there early for that clean cross-off.

Rusty.

Read more