Estaleiro Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s shaping up.

First off, we’ve got a bit of a slow start. The first few days are pretty ordinary, but it’s not a total washout. The real quality window looks to be from the 26th of August onwards, with a nice pulse of longer-period swell. There’s a bit of a rough patch right at the start of September where the wind really screws things up, but then it looks like we might see a little something on the 7th.

Let’s break it down. The only break in the picture here is Estaleiro Reef. It’s a reef setup, intermediate level, and it’s inconsistent, so you’ve got to pick your moments.

Sunday the 23rd is pretty grim. The morning has a weak 2ft SE swell, period of 12 seconds, and the wind is a cross-off from the SW, which is okay, but the combined energy is a weak 128. The afternoon gets worse with onshore wind and a score that’s not worth paddling for.

Monday the 24th isn’t much better. Swell bumps up to 4ft from the SE with a 14-second period, giving moderate energy (455 in the morning, 530 in the afternoon), but the wind is onshore or cross-onshore, making it messy. Not your day.

Tuesday the 25th is where we get a little glimmer. The morning is glassy – that’s a major positive. A slight air from the SSW, 3ft of SE swell at 13 seconds, and the energy is moderate at 247. The waves will be clean, but it’s small. The afternoon turns to a light cross-shore, so the window is tight.

Now, Wednesday the 26th – this is the standout. Morning has a clean 4ft SE swell, a lovely 15-second period (that’s proper groundswell), and offshore wind from the W. The combined energy is a solid 693. The afternoon is also clean with a cross-off breeze. This is the best session on offer. That long period will make it a bit lined-up and juicy at the reef, but watch out for longer lulls between sets. It’s an intermediate spot, and this swell size is perfect for that level.

Thursday the 27th is still decent. The morning is clean with a 3ft SE swell, 13-second period, and a cross-off breeze. Energy is 404. The afternoon goes onshore, so get it early.

Friday the 28th brings a shift. The swell swings to the ENE, drops to an 8-second period (short-period windswell), but it’s 4ft in the morning with offshore wind, and 5ft in the afternoon with a cross-off. The energy is moderate at 260 and 350. It’s clean, but the short period means it’ll be a bit more crumbly and less powerful at the reef.

Saturday the 29th is marginal. A light cross-shore wind and 4ft E swell at 9 seconds. The rain showers don’t help the vibe. Just okay.

Sunday the 30th is a mixed bag. The morning looks good with a 4ft E swell, 9-second period, and a cross-off breeze keeping it clean. Energy is 245. But the afternoon turns onshore and choppy again.

From Monday the 31st through to Saturday the 5th of September, it’s a write-off. Strong onshore winds, lumpy and choppy conditions, and the swell drops away. The energy falls to weak levels (58 to 87) from the 5th. This is a proper gap of poor surf.

Sunday the 6th of September is still poor. Light cross-shore wind but the swell is weak and short period.

Finally, Monday the 7th of September shows a little promise. The morning goes glassy again with a 4ft ENE swell, 8-second period. The energy is moderate at 252. It’s clean, but the short period means it’ll be a bit fat and quick at the reef. Still, after that rough run, it’s the only other decent window.

So, to wrap it up: if you’re after the best, get out there Wednesday the 26th of August. The 15-second SE groundswell with offshore wind is the pick of the entire forecast. The 28th is a solid backup if you’re after a bit more size, but expect shorter-period waves. The rest is a game of patience.

Rusty.

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