Ixtapa Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright surfers, Rusty here. I’ve been staring at the charts for our patch and I’ve got to say, the next couple of weeks are looking pretty special. We’ve got a juicy run of consistent, clean groundswell rolling in from the south, and if you pick your moments, there’s some seriously good waves on the cards.

The main event is a beautiful run of long-period, SSW groundswell that starts building this weekend and really hits its stride early next week. The periods are hanging in the 14 to 20 second range, which means proper, powerful lines. We’re looking at mostly glassy, clean conditions during the mornings, so the key is to get out early before the sea breeze kicks up and messes with the shape. The water is baking hot right now at 88.7°F, which is about 3.6°F warmer than normal for this time of year, so ditch the fullsuit.

The standout break is Ixtapa Island. This reef setup needs a clean wind from the east or north to really shine, and we’ve got a string of mornings where it’s going to be pure glass. The swell is running in the 2.6 ft to 4.6 ft range, but the energy is building significantly, with combined swell energy readings climbing from around 300 right up to over 1100 by mid-week. That’s a serious jump in power for a spot that often needs a little push. Keep in mind, this break can be inconsistent, but when it turns on like this, the wait is worth it.

Let’s break it down day by day.

Saturday 12th September: We start with a tiny 3.3 ft SW groundswell at 14 seconds. The morning is glassy with light easterly wind, giving clean but small conditions. The afternoon goes to crap as the wind swings onshore from the SW, turning it into a choppy mess.

Sunday 13th September: The swell drops slightly to 2.6 ft but the wind is a light cross-off from the east in the morning, keeping it clean. Again, the afternoon gets messy.

Monday 14th September: Now we’re talking. The swell bumps up to 3.0 ft from the SW, but the period jumps to 18 seconds. That’s long-period energy with moderate power (599). With a clean, cross-off easterly breeze in the morning, the surf will be well-shaped. The afternoon brings a risk of thunderstorms and onshore wind, so get your session in before lunch.

Tuesday 15th September: A standout morning. 3.9 ft of SW groundswell at 17 seconds, with zero wind! It’s glassy and the energy is ramping up to 946. This is clean, crisp reef surfing. The afternoon turns cross-on and choppy.

Wednesday 16th September: This is probably the pick of the week for the more experienced crew. The swell is a solid 4.6 ft from the SSW, with a period of 16 seconds and wave energy screaming up to 1131. The morning is clear and glassy with a light NNW wind. This is excellent, powerful wave height that’s definitely in the intermediate-to-expert range. The afternoon will be blown out.

Thursday 17th September: Another glassy morning with 4.3 ft SSW swell at 14 seconds and very high energy (963). Perfect conditions for a strong paddle out session on the dropping tide. Afternoon onshore slop.

Friday 18th September: The swell drops back to 2.6 ft, but the period goes nuclear at 20 seconds. That’s proper groundswell. The morning is cross-off with the risk of a storm, but the energy is still very solid (778). Expect long, walling lines but long waits between sets.

Weekend of 19th & 20th September: Saturday morning is glassy with a clean 3.0 ft SW swell, but the real action is Sunday the 20th. Morning is clear and glassy with a building 3.6 ft SW swell at 19 seconds. The energy is a massive 1084. This is another excellent session for experienced surfers.

Monday 21st September: The best morning of the run for power surfers. 4.3 ft SW swell at 17 seconds, glassy conditions with light ESE wind, and the combined swell energy hits 1107. This is thick, powerful and clean.

The Second Week (22nd – 27th September): The surf gradually backs off, but there are still good windows. The mornings continue to offer cleaner conditions.

Tuesday 22nd: Mixed signals with a cross-shore wind and 3.6 ft swell. Not the pick.
Wednesday 23rd: Decent morning, 3.6 ft SW swell, glassy conditions. Good for a paddle.
Thursday 24th: Another glassy morning, but the energy is fading to 500. Still gettable for a small-wave session.
Friday 25th & Saturday 26th: The swell drops to 3.0 ft. Mornings start clean with cross-off winds, but the energy is low. For the patient

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