Faja da Areia Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on offer for the Azores, specifically at Faja da Areia.

There’s a real slow start to this forecast period. We’re going to have to wait a good few days before anything worth paddling out for shows up. The first few days are a bit of a write-off with small, weak swell and poor conditions, so hang tight.

The first real glimmer of hope comes on Wednesday morning, 12 August. The wind is glassy, which is a major positive, and we’ve got a modest 3ft swell from the WNW. The combined energy is moderate at 203, and it’s described as "expect good surf conditions." This is the standout of the early window. The water temp is a touch warmer than normal at 77°, which is nice.

The following days, from Wednesday afternoon right through to the end of the following week, are a mixed bag. The wind tends to be a light cross-onshore, which puts a bit of a ripple on the face, and the swell quality is either "poor" or "marginal." The swell energy does build, hitting strong levels on the 17th and 18th August with readings over 500, but the wind state just isn't clean enough to make the most of it. The swell direction shifts around from NW to NNE, and the period stays mostly in the 8-10 second range, so it’s not pure groundswell.

If you had to pick a moment in that second week, Monday 17 August and Tuesday 18 August see the biggest push of energy, with swell heights around 5ft to 6ft from the NNE, but the wind is a cross-onshore. It's a bit of a shame, as the power is there, but the conditions aren't pristine. This is a session for the experienced crew who don't mind a bit of texture on the wave.

Beyond that, the last few days of the forecast (from 21 August onwards) see the swell drop back down and the wind stay onshore or cross-onshore, so it’s back to looking at small, average surf.

So, to wrap it up: the best bet is Wednesday morning, 12 August. That glassy morning with a clean 3ft WNW swell is your window for a fun, uncrowded session. The bigger swells later in the window have the power but lack the clean winds. Keep an eye on the long-range forecasts, as things can always change.

Stay stoked.

Rusty

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