Derecha de los Alemanes Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get straight into it. The next couple of weeks are looking pretty grim for paddle surfing around here. We’ve got a long stretch of poor conditions with no real standouts for a good wave. The wind is going to be a constant problem, and the swell just isn’t doing us any favours.

We start off with a bit of a gap, nothing really worth talking about until the 27th of August. Thursday morning brings a tiny 1 ft wave from the north at a short 7-second period, but the real issue is that cross-onshore NNE wind at 19 mph. It’s choppy and lumpy, and the combined energy is a weak 28. This is just not going to be any fun. That afternoon the swell picks up a bit to 4 ft, but the period drops to 5 seconds, making it even more of a mess. This pattern of poor surf continues day after day, right through the end of August and into early September. The wind stays fresh and cross-onshore, the swell is all north, with moderate energy at best, and the wave comment is consistently “poor surf conditions.”

The only break we have to look at is Derecha de los Alemanes, a reef setup that’s good for beginners. It’s consistent and exposed, but it’s just not getting the right conditions. The optimum swell direction is from the NNW, but we’re getting mostly north and north-northeast swells.

Around the 4th of September, we see a bit of a change with the wind shifting to a more onshore direction from the NNW, but it’s still not clean. The swell drops to 3 ft - 4 ft, and while the wind is lighter, it’s still not offshore. The energy is weak, in the 130-165 range.

The 6th of September brings a longer period swell from the NNW at 13 seconds, but it’s only 2 ft to 2 ft, and the wind is still messy. That long-period groundswell might be better at a point or reef, but the size is too small to make it worthwhile.

The first real glimmer of hope shows up on the 9th of September. Wednesday morning has a 3 ft swell from the NNW at 13 seconds, with a light cross-onshore wind. The energy jumps to 513, which is moderate, and the wave comment is “marginal surf forecast.” It’s not great, but it’s the best we’ve seen in a while. The wind is light, so it might be a little cleaner. After that, the 10th of September Thursday morning has a 6 ft north swell at 11 seconds, with a gentle cross-onshore breeze. The energy is 784, and it’s again marginal. The 11th of September Friday morning has a similar 6 ft north swell at 8 seconds, with a light cross-onshore wind.

Honestly, with the constant cross-onshore wind and lumpy conditions, this setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing for most of the period. The wind is strong and consistent, and the waves are messy. If you’re a beginner, the 9th and 10th of September might be worth a look, but keep your expectations low. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Signing off, Rusty.

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