La Chocolatera Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s going on.

First up, this whole 16-day stretch is a quiet one for La Chocolatera. The water is sitting at a very unusual 80°, which is far warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s something you’ll feel straight away.

Right now and for the next several days, it’s pretty grim. The swell is tiny, mostly around 2 ft to 3 ft, and the wind is either onshore or cross-onshore, which is making things choppy and messy. The combined wave energy is weak to moderate – values like 312 to 460 (moderate energy) but with poor surf conditions. Honestly, there’s nothing worth paddling out for in this first week. It’s a flat spell.

From Wednesday the 6th of August, we start seeing a bit of a pulse. The swell lifts to 3 ft to 5 ft from the SW, and the period stretches out – 13 to 16 seconds, which is proper groundswell. But even then, the ratings are marginal due to questionable tide or conditions. The combined energy picks up to 463 (moderate) and even jumps to 1070 (strong) on Friday morning the 7th of August. That Friday morning (7th August) is the standout: 5 ft of SW groundswell with a 16-second period, light offshore wind from the SSW at 9 mph, and the wave energy is strong (1070). That’s your window. The break (Ecuador) is a point, which is ideal for that long-period swell – it won’t close out. But keep in mind, this spot is inconsistent and sometimes sees crowds, so get in early.

From the 9th onwards it drops back into the doldrums again – small swell, onshore wind, weak energy. The 10th of August morning has a 3 ft SW groundswell with 16 seconds and light offshore wind, but it’s only marginal and the rest of that day is poor.

In short, don’t waste your time this week. Hold out for Friday the 7th of August – that’s the one to get excited about, but it’s still a bit of a gamble this far out.

Rusty.

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