Etang-Sale Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at what’s cooking for Etang-Salé. We’ve got a solid run of surf on the cards, so let’s get straight into it.

We kick off on Thursday, the 6th, with small, clean groundswell rolling in. Early morning is a bit average with a light cross-onshore breeze messing with it, but by Thursday afternoon, it glassed right off. We’re looking at a clean 3ft SSW swell with a nice long 13-second period. The water temp is feeling about average for this time of year, so don’t stress about a wetsuit just yet. The energy is moderate (392), but it’s a gentle start.

Now, Friday the 7th is where it gets interesting. A new pulse of swell moves in, pushing 7ft to 7ft from the ESE. This is a shorter-period swell (9 seconds), but the wind is set to be offshore from the ESE, which will keep it clean. The wave energy jumps up to a strong 974, and by Friday afternoon it hits 1303. This is solid, rippable stuff for the experienced crew. It’s a bit punchy, so beginners might want to sit this one out.

The weekend is the real standout. Saturday the 8th through Sunday the 9th sees the swell settle a touch in size but kick in incredible quality. We’re talking a 4ft to 5ft SSW to SW groundswell with a very long period of 15 to 18 seconds. The energy is strong to very strong (1088 to 1358). The wind is offshore, and at times glassy. This is the kind of long-period SW groundswell that Etang-Salé’s reef setup loves. Expect long, clean lines with proper push. This is your best bet for the whole forecast period – the wave quality, direction, and wind all align perfectly.

Monday the 10th hasn’t missed a beat either. More of that beautiful 5ft SW groundswell with a 16-second period, glassy conditions, and very strong energy (1777). It’s another excellent day for experienced surfers.

The pattern holds through the middle of next week. Tuesday the 11th and Wednesday the 12th keep the 4ft to 5ft SW swell going with glassy conditions and very good to excellent quality. It’s consistent, clean, and inviting.

We hit a bit of a rough patch from Thursday the 13th into Friday the 14th. The swell pushes up to 8ft with fresh to strong offshore winds (28 mph). While it’s clean, the wind is so strong it makes paddling a real battle, and the forecast notes marginal conditions despite the size. The energy is raging (over 3700 on Friday), but it’s more of a challenge than a pleasure unless you’re a machine.

The following weekend, Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th, delivers the biggest and best waves of the entire run. On Saturday morning, we see a 5ft SW groundswell with a 19-second period – that’s as long period as it gets. The energy is enormous (2858). But it’s Sunday the 16th morning that steals the show: a 10ft SSW groundswell with a 17-second period, light offshore breezes, and a clean face. The combined energy hits a massive 4747. This is for experts only – it's big, powerful, and dangerous for anyone else. If you’ve got the skills and the nerve, that’s your session.

Monday the 17th is still excellent, with 6ft SSW swell and clean conditions, before things start to taper off through Tuesday the 18th and Wednesday the 19th, dropping back to waist-high, clean but small surf. By Wednesday afternoon on the 19th, strong offshore winds make it hard to paddle into the small waves.

There’s a final pulse on Friday the 21st of August: a 6ft ESE short-period swell (7 seconds) with no wind – glassy. It’s a bit of a gamble as it’s over a week away, but the conditions could be fun if the period fills in a bit. Worth keeping an eye on.

So, to wrap it up: Saturday the 8th through Monday the 10th is your brilliant all-round window, and if you’re an expert chasing the biggest, Sunday the 16th is your apex.

Stay stoked.

Rusty.

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