Maitencillo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, my friends, Rusty here, taking a good long look at what’s on offer at Maitencillo (Valparaiso). It’s a bit of a mixed forecast for the next couple of weeks, but don't write it off just yet. There a couple of proper windows where it's going to be firing, and a whole lot of time where you might be better off waxing your board at home.

We kick things off this Sunday the 16th with some average waves. It's small, around 3ft, and that cross-shore breeze is going to have it all chopped up. Not much joy there. Monday the 17th is similar in the morning, a bit rainy and bumpy. But hold on, the afternoon looks a treat. That wind goes light and glassy, and while it's still small at 3ft, it'll be clean. That's your first chance to get a few peelers before it drops.

The surf picks up on Tuesday the 18th, getting to 5ft with a bit more energy in the water. But it’s messy with an onshore wind. However, Wednesday the 19th is a standout. The wind turns light and offshore, and we've got a solid 6ft of SW groundswell with a long 15-second period. The energy is cranking. This is a proper session, clean and powerful – definitely one for the more experienced heads. The afternoon stays glassy as the swell holds. That's your pick of the first week.

The rest of the week goes a bit flat and choppy. Thursday the 20th and Friday the 21st are nothing to write home about, with the swell dropping. Friday afternoon gets a quick bump to around 8ft, but the period is a lousy 8 seconds, and the wind is on it. That spells close-outs and choppy chaos. More of a fight than a surf.

The weekend is still pretty grovelly. The 22nd and 23rd have some size, but the period is short, and the onshore wind is messing with the shape. There's a clean window on Sunday afternoon when the wind drops, but the waves will be soft and gutless.

Now, next week starts off really small. From the 24th to the 27th, we're looking at tiny, ankle-to-knee high dribble. Perfect for the longboard if you’re desperate, but there’s no power behind it.

But here's the long-range gold. We've got a proper swell filling in around the 28th of August, with 7-8ft waves on the way. The wind is a little cross, but there's size. Then the 29th of August looks like the crown jewel of the whole run. The swell holds at around 7ft from the WSW, and the wind goes absolutely dead – glassy, calm conditions. This is for experienced surfers only, with plenty of power and energy. The forecast is calling it excellent, and I agree. Mark that date. After that, it starts to back down, but the 31st brings another long-period SW swell, and it looks clean again, even if a bit smaller.

So, to sum it up. Your two big standouts are the morning of Wednesday, August 19th – clean, solid groundswell. And the Saturday, August 29th – a proper, powerful swell with zero wind. Both of these are solid, quality options. The rest of the time, you'll be working for nothing. Get your board ready for the 29th, lads.

Rusty, signing off.

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