Isla Negra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get straight into it. The forecast for Isla Negra is a bit of a slow burner, but there’s a couple of windows where it might just be worth paddling out.

Right now, we’re staring down a long stretch of flat, poor conditions. From the 5th right through the morning of the 14th, the combined energy is mostly zero or pitifully low – the odd reading of 1 (combined energy of all swells directed here). It’s a real quiet spell. The water is sitting at 58°F right now, which feels a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, but that’s small comfort when there’s nothing to ride.

The first real glimmer comes on the afternoon of the 14th. A pulse of swell pushes in at 3ft from the WSW with a moderate 450 (combined energy of all swells directed here). The wind is cross-off from the SSW at 16 mph, but the wave comment still says poor surf conditions, so it’s probably a bit raw and lumpy. Still, it’s a sign of life.

The standout of the whole outlook is Tuesday, 15th September. The morning session is the best on offer. You’ve got a clean 3ft swell from the WSW, with a decent period of 12 seconds, and the combined energy sits at 266 (combined energy of all swells directed here). The wind is light and cross-off from the SW, so the face will be clean. It’s a reef break, so those longer-period waves will wrap in nicely. It’s not huge, but it’s the most genuine surfable window we’ve seen. The afternoon of the 15th drops off a bit to 3ft with 166 (combined energy of all swells directed here), still surfable but ordinary.

After that, it’s back to the doldrums. The 16th and 17th are mostly flat, with a tiny 2ft pulse on the afternoon of the 17th that’s only worth 85 (combined energy of all swells directed here). Nothing to get excited about.

Then, on the afternoon of the 20th, a bigger swell shows up: 4ft from the WSW, period of 10 seconds, and a combined energy of 320 (combined energy of all swells directed here). But the wind is a moderate 16 mph cross-off, which keeps it messy. It’s a promising sign for the end of the run, but a bit rough around the edges.

Overall, if you’re after a paddle, the 15th morning is your best bet. It’s not a classic, but it’s clean and rideable. The long-range blip on the 20th is worth watching, but forecasts can change. For now, keep your board waxed and wait for that Tuesday window.

Rusty.

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