La Chocolatera Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, I’m a bit gutted to say it, but the outlook for La Chocolatera (Ecuador) is a tough one. The first week and a half is pretty much a write-off, with the wind howling from the wrong direction and the swell struggling to get any quality. It’s not until the very end of the month that we start to see a glimmer of hope.

The pattern kicks off on Saturday, July 18th, but don’t get excited. The surf is messy, with a weak 3ft south-west swell and a moderate onshore breeze. The combined wave energy is a paltry 346 (moderate energy), and the conditions are just poor. The water is a warm 78°, which is much warmer than usual for this time of year, but that’s about the only thing going for it.

This grim run of onshore, cross-onshore winds and poor surf carries on day after day. The swell stays small, rarely breaking 3ft, and the wind keeps ruining any chance of a clean face. There’s a gap of over a week where you’re really just wasting your time.

We do get a bit of a pulse early on the 23rd with a very short-period 4ft swell (7 seconds), but the energy is still moderate (314), and the wind remains a problem. It’s just not surfable.

The turnaround starts to look possible around the 24th of July. A long-period groundswell starts to show up, but the wind is still on it. The energy jumps up to 955 (strong energy) on the Friday morning, but the cross-onshore wind keeps it from being clean. It’s a frustrating tease.

The real standout, and the only window I’d actually point you to, is the Monday morning of July 27th. The swell picks up to a solid 5ft from the south-west, with a long period of 17 seconds. The combined energy is a very strong 1355, and the wind is light and offshore from the south-south-west. This is where a point break like La Chocolatera starts to shine. That long period means the waves will have real shape and power, with better sets, and the offshore wind will keep the faces smooth. It’s the best wave on offer, but be aware, this spot is inconsistent, and it can get crowded. For stronger surfers, this is the session to aim for.

Tuesday the 28th also has some size (5ft), but the wind goes cross-onshore in the afternoon, so get on it early. Wednesday the 29th holds similar size, around 5ft, with a period of 14 seconds and light offshore winds again. The energy stays very strong (1132). This is another solid option, but the waves are getting into the territory where they’re a bit much for beginners.

After that, the swell starts to fade into the start of August, and the wind picks up again, taking us back to poor conditions. So, for the next 16 days, your best bet is that window from the 27th to the 29th of July. Mark it in your calendar.

Rusty.

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