Picao (Baia Formosa) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, this is Rusty. Let’s be straight with you – the next couple of weeks at Picao (Baia Formosa) are looking pretty grim. We’ve got a long stretch of poor surf ahead, so don’t get your hopes up too early. The first decent window doesn’t show up until late in the forecast period. But we’ll walk through the whole run.

Right now, from Tuesday 7 July all the way through to Saturday 18 July, it’s mostly a write-off. You’ve got small swell, messy cross-off winds, and a bunch of zero-score days. The combined energy is weak – mostly under 200 and dropping as low as 14 (those are tiny numbers). Swell sits around 0.7 ft to 4 ft with a short, weak period of 6 to 7 seconds, so no power or shape to speak of. The wind is moderate, often cross or cross-off from the SSE to ESE, so the surface is clean but the waves just aren’t there. That’s nearly two full weeks of nothing worthwhile.

The one glimmer comes right at the tail end. On Sunday 19 July morning, we finally see a pulse of swell – 5 ft from the E with a 7-second period and combined energy of 292 (moderate energy). Winds go offshore from the SE at 16 mph, so the surface should be clean. The score is still only marginal, and the description says “questionable tide conditions,” so this is not a flat-out winner. But if you’re desperate, it’s the best on offer. Monday 20 July morning also shows 5 ft from ESE with similar wind and energy (284), also marginal. After that, the swell drops back into the 4–5 ft range with the same cross-off breeze and poor scores.

So, the standout – and I mean the only one worth paddling for – is Sunday 19 July morning. The reef at Picao is consistent and fairly exposed, and with offshore wind and a clean surface, it could offer a few fun ones. The swell direction (E) is not the optimum NE that this spot loves, but it’s close enough to get waves breaking. Crowds are sometimes a factor here, so expect company. And with the swell just over 5 ft, it’s right on the edge for beginners – might be a bit much if you’re new.

Other than that, it’s a long dry spell. The water temp is about average for the time of year – nothing unusual there.

That’s your lot. Keep an eye on the forecasts, because things might shift. But as it stands, mark Sunday 19 July in your calendar.

Rusty.

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