Pedra Branca Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. I’ve been staring at the charts for Pedra Branca and, well, I’ve got to be straight with you – it’s looking like a tough stretch ahead. The forecast has zero recommendations across the entire 16-day window, and that’s just the reality of it. We’re looking at a blank run with no real surf on offer, which for this spot can be a bit more normal when the conditions don’t line up.

Let’s walk through it. Starting off on Thursday, July 30th, we’ve got a tiny 1ft swell from the WNW with a 10-second period, but the combined energy is a weak 38 and the wind is a cross-shore from the north at 9 mph. The water temp is sitting at 69°F with a 0.4°F anomaly, so pretty average for the time of year. The wave comment says it all: poor surf conditions. That theme sticks around through Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – the swell bumps up to 4ft on Friday afternoon but with a short period of 5 seconds and a fresh cross-breeze at 19 mph, it’s just messy and lumpy. The combined energy gets up to 89, but it’s still not enough to make it worthwhile.

Moving into the next week, Monday August 3rd sees a light onshore wind from the west at 6 mph with a 2ft swell, but again, it’s poor. Tuesday August 4th gives us a bit more size – 4ft from the west with an 8-second period and combined energy of 149 (moderate), but the wind is cross-on from the NW at 6 mph, so it’s choppy and not clean. The pattern of cross and cross-on winds just keeps the surface lumpy right through to the weekend of August 9th and 10th, where we see 4ft to 4ft swells from the WNW with moderate energy readings around 228-235, but the wind is still a moderate cross-shore at 12-16 mph. It’s frustrating because there’s size, but the quality just isn’t there for a good paddle.

After that, from August 11th through to the 13th, the swell essentially flatlines with zero energy, and the wind picks up to 19-22 mph from the north, making it even less appealing. By August 14th, there’s a brief moment of glassy conditions on Friday morning with a light 0.7ft swell and a 5-second period from the SW – the combined energy is a measly 8. It’s glassy, but there’s nothing to ride.

So, to sum it up: there’s no standout here, no hidden gem to chase. The best we’ve got is a few days with moderate swell energy but the wind is always on the wrong side, leaving the surface choppy and the waves poor. It’s one of those periods where the forecast can change, but as it stands, I’d say save your energy and wait for the next pulse. Keep an eye on the charts, things can turn around.

Rusty.

Read more