Galheta Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. Right now, things are pretty flat and we’re in a bit of a drought. The first real chance of any surf kicks off on the morning of Friday the 14th of August at Galheta. Before that, it’s dead – nothing on offer from Wednesday the 12th through to Thursday the 13th.

So, Friday the 14th of August, we see the first pulse arrive. It’s not perfect but at least there’s something to look at. The morning brings a solid 7 ft SSE swell, which is a proper groundswell with a period of 13 seconds – lots of energy too, hitting 1266 (moderate to strong). But the wind is a light cross-onshore from the east, so it’ll be a bit bumpy. That size will be pushing it for beginners, but intermediates will find some fun ones. The water temp is sitting at 65°, which is pretty much normal for this time of year – no surprises there.

Later Friday afternoon, the swell drops right back to 4 ft from the ESE with a short 7-second period, and the combined energy falls to just 113. It’s glassy though, and that’s a major positive. It’ll be clean, but the waves will be weak and maybe a bit fat.

Saturday the 15th of August is where things start looking up. The morning has 5 ft of easterly swell, still an 8-second period, and 297 energy – not huge, but the wind is offshore from the NNW and light. That means clean, lined-up waves. It should be good fun for intermediates and the smaller end of the swell keeps it from being too heavy. Winds stay favourable through the afternoon, shifting to a light cross-offshore from the north.

Sunday the 16th of August keeps the same 5 ft easterly swell going. The morning is a standout with a nice offshore breeze from the north at 9 mph, giving you clean conditions. Energy is a touch stronger at 321. The afternoon gets a bit messy with a cross-shore wind, so mornings are the go.

Now, Monday the 17th of August is the pick of the whole outlook. The swell bumps up to 6 ft from the ENE, period at 8 seconds and energy up to 498. But the real story is the wind – offshore from the north at 9 mph in the morning, then swinging to a cross-offshore from the NE in the afternoon. That afternoon session looks very good, with energy climbing to 554 and a clean face. This is the best bet for intermediate to experienced surfers. It’s still manageable, not too big, but with good shape.

After Monday, it starts to fall apart. Tuesday the 18th gets messy with strong cross-onshore and onshore winds, and poor conditions. There’s a bit of a lull through the middle of the week. Thursday the 20th is glassy in the morning but the swell is only 4 ft and weak, worth a paddle but nothing special.

The second week is lean. From the 21st of August onward, it’s mostly poor or flat. A weak little pulse on Wednesday the 26th of August in the afternoon – 3 ft SE swell, period 8 seconds, 121 energy and glassy winds – but it’s ordinary. Then Thursday the 27th of August is glassy again early but only 3 ft from the ESE. It’s a long, quiet run to finish.

Overall, Monday the 17th of August stands out as the best on offer. If you can get out that afternoon, go for it. The morning of Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th are decent, with clean conditions and fun little waves. After that, you’re waiting on a change in the forecast.

- Rusty

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