Barinatxe - La Salvaje Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, I'm Rusty. Let's have a look at what's on offer at Barinatxe - La Salvaje, this beach and reef set-up that takes a NW groundswell and needs the stars to align. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual there.

First thing’s first, the surf over the next few days is pretty ordinary. Monday morning the 14th is the best early call with a clean 4ft NNW swell, period around 12 seconds, and light ESE cross-off winds. The combined energy is moderate (356). It’s rideable, but nothing to write home about. Monday afternoon and most of Tuesday are a write-off with onshore winds and choppy conditions, so don't bother.

Wednesday the 16th sees a bit more size, up to 5ft, but with onshore winds and short, weak 7-second period, it's just a messy close-out. Thursday the 17th has a similar story, with a building 5ft NW swell but still onshore, so the quality is poor. We get a bit more energy (615) but it's wasted. Friday the 18th is still messy in the morning, but the afternoon brings a massive spike in energy to 1154 from a 4ft, 15-second period NNW groundswell. The problem is it's onshore wind, so it's just a powerful, lumpy mess. Not worth it.

Now, Saturday the 19th of September – that’s the standout. Morning brings a 7ft NNW groundswell with a 13-second period and glassy conditions thanks to light ESE winds. The combined energy is very strong (1652). This is a serious, powerful groundswell. At 7ft, this is expert territory, and because it’s a long-period groundswell, it’s going to be breaking big and raw at this beach and reef set-up. It’s a true, clean, heavy session for experienced surfers only. It’s also consistent, but expect crowds, as it’s often busy.

Sunday the 20th drops back to a cleaner but smaller 4ft NNW swell in the morning. Glassy conditions again with light ESE winds, making for a fun, clean morning on a moderate energy (415) groundswell. This is a better call for intermediate surfers.

Monday the 21st is another cracker for experts. A clean, glassy 6ft NNW swell, period 13 seconds, and very strong energy (1265). Another excellent morning session for the experienced crew, though with a cross-on breeze developing later. Again, expect crowds.

Tuesday the 22nd holds clean 6ft swell in the morning, glassy with light W winds, and energy (949) is still very strong. Another solid option for experienced surfers.

After that, the swell fades through Wednesday and Thursday, with smaller waves and onshore winds taking over. Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th see a pulse of short-period, weak NNE swell around 4ft, but the period is a dismal 6 seconds. Even with clean winds, it’s just weak, gutless lines. Not worth the paddle. By Sunday the 27th and into the final days of the month, the energy completely flatlines, dropping to below 66, with tiny 1ft NW swell. The area goes into a dead spell with no surf to speak of.

So, to sum it up: the first week is mostly a bust, but the period from the morning of Saturday the 19th through to Tuesday the 22nd is where it's at. The clear standouts are Saturday the 19th and Monday the 21st mornings for expert surfers only – big, glassy, powerful groundswell. For the average surfer, the best bet is the clean, smaller swell on the morning of Sunday the 20th. There’s then a big gap of poor to no surf from late on the 23rd right through to the end of the forecast window.

Rusty.

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