Etang-Sale Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. This is Rusty, and I’m looking at what’s cooking for Etang-Salé over the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a solid run of surf coming up, but you’ve got to be on your game because this break is no beginner’s playground. It’s a reef setup, so you need to know what you’re doing. The water temp is sitting at 76°, which is a touch warmer than usual for this time of year – not a huge deal, but you might notice it.

First up, Tuesday the 8th kicks things off with a bang. Morning has a 8ft SSW swell, with a super long 16-second period, and a strong offshore wind. The energy is massive – 5266 – but it’s going to be a fight to get out there. By the afternoon, the swell jumps to 15ft from the S, and the energy rockets to 12208. This is serious, heavy, powerful stuff. Only for experts. The wind stays strong offshore, so it will be clean, but paddling in will be a battle.

Wednesday the 9th is still pumping, with a 13ft SSW swell and a 17-second period. The offshore wind has backed off a bit to a fresh breeze, making it a bit more manageable, but it’s still a beast. Energy is still in the 9600-12200 range. This is a standout day for the crew that can handle it – big, clean, powerful reef waves.

Thursday the 10th sees the swell drop to a much friendlier 7ft, still from the SSW, with a 14-second period. The wind turns gentle offshore, and conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is your best all-round day for a challenging but rewarding session. The energy is still strong at 4157, but the power is more manageable.

Friday the 11th stays clean, but the swell changes up. It’s a 7ft swell from the ESE, with a shorter 9-second period in the morning – less grunt, more walled-up sections. Afternoon drops to 5ft from the SSE, still clean. A good day for a different kind of wave.

Saturday the 12th – steer clear. The swell is still 5ft from the S, but the wind swings cross-onshore from the W, and it’s just messy. Small wind ripples, not worth it.

Sunday the 13th is back in the game. A 6ft SSW swell with a long 16-second period, and the wind is light and clean, going offshore in the afternoon. This is a great, clean, powerful day. Energy sits around 2263, so it’s got some push.

Monday the 14th morning is glassy, with a 6ft SSW swell. Perfect conditions. The afternoon picks up a moderate offshore breeze, still clean. This is another classic day.

Tuesday the 15th through Wednesday the 16th offers a run of solid, clean SSW swell. Waves between 6ft and 7ft, with offshore winds and decent energy. Good, consistent surf.

Thursday the 17th brings a new swell: 10ft from the SE with a short 9-second period. The morning has light offshore winds, making it clean but peaky and powerful. The afternoon turns cross-onshore, so get it in the morning.

Friday the 18th sees a big drop, with a 4ft SW swell but a massive 20-second period. The afternoon is clean, with a light cross-offshore breeze. That long period will make for some very long lines, but it’s a small day.

Saturday the 19th is small and glassy in the afternoon – 4ft SW swell with a 16-second period. Perfect for a longboard if the tide works.

Sunday the 20th is another small-gem day. Clean, 5ft to 4ft SW swell, with that long period sticking around. The afternoon is offshore and clean.

Monday the 21st is the real standout to watch for the second week. Glassy morning and glassy afternoon, with a 5ft to 6ft SW swell, 16-second period. Clean, lined-up, and smooth. This is the pick of the second week, no doubt.

Tuesday the 22nd and beyond, the energy starts to fade. Swell drops to 4ft and 4ft, with periods shortening. There is still some glassy and clean conditions, but the punch is gone. By Wednesday the 23rd, it’s a 3ft to 5ft SW swell, mostly clean but light. The run is winding down.

So here’s the takeaway: Wednesday the 9th is the big-wave standout for the hardcore crew. Thursday the 10th and Sunday the 13th through Monday the 14th are your best bets for a powerful but workable session. And Monday the 21st is looking like a sleeper hit for the second week.

Expect crowds at Etang-Salé sometimes, so keep your wits about you.

- Rusty

Read more