Galheta Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’m just gonna level with ya—this stretch ahead is a pretty lean one for Galheta. The first week is mostly a write-off, with tiny, weak waves and nothing worth paddling out for. We’re looking at a real dry spell from Friday the 17th right through to the morning of Tuesday the 22nd. That’s nearly five days of flat, poor surf. But don’t bin your board just yet.

Things start to get a little interesting from Wednesday morning the 22nd. The swell bumps up to 4ft from the ENE with a short 8-second period, and the combined energy is moderate at 157. The wind is dead glassy. It’s not a world-beater, but with that glassy surface, you’ll get some clean, fun little waves. The water temp is about average for the time of year, so no need for a thick suit. The trend continues through Thursday the 23rd with 3ft ENE swell, still moderate energy (116), and a solid offshore from the NNW. That’s clean, workable, but nothing to write home about.

Friday the 24th is a write-off again with onshore slop. Saturday the 25th looks okay in the morning with 4ft ENE, but the real standout might be Saturday afternoon. The swell jumps to 5ft from the SSE, with a longer 12-second period, and the combined energy is strong at 566. The wind goes glassy. That’s a proper little window of clean, fun surf with some punch. Sunday the 26th morning is also glassy with 3ft SSE swell and moderate energy (258)—still a decent option.

Monday the 27th morning has a 4ft ENE swell with moderate energy (253) and a brisk offshore from the N at 25 mph. That’ll be clean but a bit short-period. Tuesday the 28th gets messy with strong cross-onshore winds and lumpy conditions. Not worth it.

Now, here’s the real wildcard. Wednesday the 29th afternoon goes glassy again, with a 2ft SE swell but a very long 16-second period. The combined energy is strong (292). That’s a long-period groundswell, which can be a bit tricky at a beach break like Galheta—it might break too straight. But if it lines up, it’ll be clean and smooth. Thursday the 30th morning has similar size and period, but with onshore wind, so it’s marginal.

Then things get big. Friday the 31st morning sees a massive 10ft SSE swell with a 14-second period and combined energy of 2800—that’s very strong. Problem is, that’s too big for this break unless you’re an expert. The wind is light cross-onshore, so it’s messy for paddling. Saturday the 1st of August morning is still oversized at 8ft. Unless you’re a seasoned charger, I’d steer clear of those days.

So, the best on offer? Saturday afternoon the 25th is the standout, with 5ft SSE swell, long-ish period, glassy wind, and strong energy. Wednesday afternoon the 29th is a close second, with that long-period groundswell and glassy surface—but be aware it might be a bit straight. Crowds are possible at Galheta, so pick your moment.

That’s the story, mate. Keep your eyes on the glassy windows.

Rusty.

Read more