Farol Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the table for Farol.

Honestly, I'm looking at a tough stretch ahead. For the next couple of weeks, the wind is just a constant problem. We've got a solid run of easterly and northeasterly trades that are blowing onshore or cross-onshore pretty much every day, and the wave quality is just not there. The swell direction is coming mainly from the ENE and NE, which isn't blowing straight down the line either. For nearly the entire forecast out through September 6th, the surf is consistently described as poor. There are stretches of several days here where I wouldn't bother paddling out, to be honest.

Let's talk about today, August 22nd. There's some small swell coming in at around 4ft from the ENE with a short period of 6 seconds, but that moderate breeze out of the east at 15 mph is chopping it up. The combined swell energy is weak at (97), so there's just no push. It's a no-go.

Heading into Sunday, August 23rd, it's more of the same. Slightly bigger at 4ft to 5ft, but still short period and sloppy with the onshore flow. The energy climbs a bit to (105 and 120), but with that fresh breeze, the surf will be messy.

We do get a little reprieve on Monday morning, August 24th, with the wind dropping to a gentle breeze at 9 mph from the ESE. That will make it less choppy, but the swell drops to 3ft with a weak energy reading of (76). It's the cleanest window we get, but it’s on the small side. For a beginner-plus spot like Farol, that small, cleaner surf might be the only time to have a go. After that, the wind picks right back up.

The second week isn't any better. By Thursday, August 28th, the swell bumps up a notch. We're seeing 5ft to 6ft from the ENE and NE, with energy levels climbing into the low 200s (206). On the Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th, it pushes to 6ft with energy at (236) and (204) respectively. But the wind is still a fresh 15 to 22 mph onshore, creating lumpy, choppy conditions. It’s a lot of water moving but no quality in the shape.

The worst of it looks like it hits around September 3rd and 4th. The swell pushes 6ft from the NE with a period of 7 seconds, and the combined energy shoots up to (315 and 306). That's moderate wave energy, but the wind is still howling onshore at 18 mph. For a spot that is a beach setup, that combination of onshore wind and solid swell is going to turn it into a washing machine. Honestly, that setup looks more interesting for a kite surfer than someone with a paddle board.

So, the bottom line? There are no standout days in this 16-day window. The best option you’ve got, and it’s a slim one, is Monday morning, August 24th. The wind goes light at 9 mph, making for the cleanest conditions. But the swell is only 3ft with a short period, so temper your expectations. It’s the quiet before the wind howls again. The water temp is unremarkable, nothing to note there. A tough run for sure.

Rusty.

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