Matosinhos Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get real about the next couple of weeks here in Matosinhos. I gotta be straight with you – it’s looking pretty grim out there, and I don't say that lightly.

We’re starting off on Sunday the 19th of July, and honestly, there’s not a wave worth paddling for. The swell is tiny, barely 1.0ft, with a short period around 7-9 seconds and the combined swell energy is a weak 24 (energy: 24). Throw in a cross-shore breeze, and you’ve got nothing but flat, bumpy water. This poor run is gonna stretch for days. We’re looking at a big, frustrating gap here.

Through the rest of July and even into early August, it just doesn’t let up. The swell stays below 3ft for most of that time, with periods that are on the short side. The wind is nearly always cross-shore or onshore, and the wave comment keeps saying “poor surf conditions.” Over and over. For the first week, starting Sunday the 19th, there’s basically a blank wall. Matosinhos is a beach and reef break, but this flat spell is just normal for the area sometimes. It's tough.

Finally, we get a tiny glimmer on Monday morning, July 27th. The swell bumps up a bit to 3ft from the NW with an 8-second period, and we get glassy conditions. The combined swell energy comes up to a moderate 133 (energy: 133). The water temperature is sitting at about 68°F, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. But here’s the kicker – even then, the wave comment says it's only "surfable waves but very ordinary conditions." It’s a last resort, not a standout. You could get a few closeouts on the outside peaks if you’re desperate.

There are a couple of other mornings, like the 29th and the 30th of July, that look almost as ordinary, with clean but tiny waves. On the 29th, a NW swell of 2ft with clean, offshore winds from the NE (energy: 120). On the 30th, it’s a 2ft WNW swell with a bigger period of 11 seconds and clean conditions (energy: 107). But none of these break the mediocre barrier. The biggest issue is that the optimum swell direction for Matosinhos is from the W, but most the best swell we see is coming out of the NW or WNW, so it’s not wrapping in perfectly.

In short, if you want to get wet, the best shot is that Monday the 27th early morning, but don't expect anything good. For the rest of the 16 days, save your energy. This setup would honestly be more interesting for a kite surfer looking for some wind than for us paddle surfers.

Rusty.

Read more