Playa El Yanqui Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s shaping up for Playa El Yanqui over the next couple of weeks. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so no need for a thick steamer.

Right now, things are pretty flat and grim. The first few days are a write-off with tiny, weak swell and strong winds making a mess of things. We’ve got a real dry spell from now all the way through Thursday the 18th. The swell is small, the energy is low (around 254-467 on the energy scale), and the wind is blowing hard offshore but the waves just aren't there to ride. It’s frustrating.

Things start to turn on Friday the 18th. That afternoon we finally get a clean, moderate offshore breeze with a clean-up. The swell is still only 3ft from the SW, but the energy is picking up a bit (379). Not a standout, but a glimmer of hope.

The first real standout comes on Sunday the 20th. The morning has clean 3ft SW groundswell with a long 19-second period. The energy jumps up to a healthy 604, and we’ve got a gentle offshore wind. This is a proper long-period groundswell, meaning better shaped waves and longer lulls between sets. It’ll be great for a longboard or a fish, especially at this exposed beach. Crowds are possible, as it’s a consistent spot, but the quality should make up for it for the competent surfer.

The absolute best on offer, and what I’d circle on your calendar, is Wednesday the 23rd. We get a clean 6ft to 6ft SW swell. That’s solid, punchy surf. The morning has a light offshore wind, and by the afternoon it goes glassy. The energy is massive for this break at 714-750. This is proper head-high plus, clean, and powerful. It’s not for beginners—over 5ft it gets a bit much—but for an experienced surfer, this is a proper session.

After that, we get a drop back down for a few days, but another window opens up on the 26th and 27th of September. Saturday the 26th sees a big, powerful 6ft W swell roll in with very strong energy (over 1100), but it comes with onshore winds and the swell direction isn’t ideal for the beach setup. Sunday the 27th is the better bet: a clean 5ft to 5ft W swell, with a 12-second period, clean conditions and light offshore wind in the afternoon. That afternoon session is rated excellent for experienced surfers, and with the energy over 1000, it’s got some real grunt.

So, don’t bother with the first week. The best bets are the morning of Sunday the 20th for the long-period groundswell, and the absolute standout is Wednesday the 23rd for clean, glassy, head-high surf. The last weekend of September also has potential, but it’s more of a wildcard.

Stay stoked.
Rusty.

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