Figueiros Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what Figueiros has in store for us over the next couple of weeks.

We’re starting off with a long, frustrating stretch. The first week and a half is basically a write-off for any decent paddle surfing. From Saturday 29 August all the way through to Saturday 5 September, the conditions are just hopeless. The wind is a problem – mostly cross-onshore or onshore from the north and north-northwest, blowing at 12 to 18 mph, creating chop and lumpy messy surf. The swell is there, between 2 ft and 6 ft from the northwest, but the quality is poor, and the combined energy of all swells is weak to moderate at best, ranging from 56 to 535. Nothing to get excited about.

Then, there’s a brief glimmer. On Sunday 6 September, we finally get a bit of a window. Morning sees a 3 ft swell from the northwest with a long 12-second period, winds turning light and cross-offshore from the east, and the water cleans up. The afternoon is even better: a light offshore from the south-southeast, 3 ft of northwesterly swell at 11 seconds, and the wave comment says “expect good surf conditions.” The combined energy sits at 241 – moderate. If you can get out that afternoon, you’ll find clean lines and a bit of shape. It’s the only real standout in the whole run, and the conditions are fragile, so don’t sleep on it.

After that, it’s back to the grind. Monday 7 September is a write-off again with onshore winds, and the next few days are a mix of poor quality and messy wind. By Tuesday 8 September, the swell picks up to 6 ft to 7 ft from the northwest, but the wind is cross-onshore at 12-15 mph, so it’s just a big, choppy mess. The combined energy jumps to 503 and 406, but without the right wind, it’s not worth paddling out for. The swell is also short period, around 7-8 seconds, so there’s no real power or shape.

The last week of the forecast is more of the same. Wednesday 9 September through Sunday 13 September, the swell varies from 1 ft to 7 ft, but the wind is almost always cross-onshore or onshore from the north or north-northwest. The biggest swell hits on Sunday 13 September with a 7 ft, 11-second swell from the west-northwest and a combined energy of 1255 – that’s a strong pulse of energy. But again, the wind is cross-onshore at 12 mph, so it’s going to be a choppy, messy beast. Not a day for beginners, that’s for sure; it’s expert territory, and even then, the wind will ruin it.

The water temperature anomaly is not flagged, so it’s about average for the time of year, which is typical for Figueiros.

So, bottom line: if you can get out on the afternoon of Sunday 6 September, that’s your best bet. After that, it’s a waiting game until the wind changes. This area can be tough, and this run is a classic example – a few days of clean potential, then a lot of junk. Keep an eye on the long-range, but don’t hold your breath.

Rusty.

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