Playa de Arrigunaga Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again. Let’s break it down in feet and miles per hour.

The early part of the forecast is a total dud. We’re looking at a long stretch of tiny, weak waves and mostly poor conditions. The first real glimmer of something worthwhile doesn’t roll in until later.

The only spot in the mix is Playa de Arrigunaga, a sandbar setup that’s fairly consistent and fairly exposed to the swell. The water is running at 75°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – a nice surprise if you’re paddling out.

The first few days are a write-off. Thursday the 6th has a small 3ft NW swell, but it’s only 8 seconds and the energy is weak (101). The morning is clean with a light cross-off breeze, but it’s still just ordinary. Friday the 7th is glassy in the morning, but the swell drops to 2ft and the period is even shorter, giving you next to no push. That pattern of tiny, weak surf continues right through the next week. There are a few glassy mornings, but with waves that small, it’s hard to get excited. The combined energy hangs around the 14 to 70 range, which is very weak.

We finally see a pulse of energy arrive on Tuesday the 18th. The afternoon brings a 4ft swell from the NNW, with a period of 9 seconds and moderate energy (286). The wind is cross-on though, so it’ll be a bit choppy and not the cleanest. This is still a marginal call.

The standout window arrives on Thursday the 20th. The morning session looks like the best bet of the whole forecast. You’ve got a 3ft swell from the NNW, but the period has stretched to 11 seconds, bringing proper groundswell energy. The combined energy is strong at 318. The wind is light from the east, so it’s cross-off, and the surf is described as clean. This is the one to aim for. The water is still warm, and the waves will have some shape. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

The afternoon of the 20th sees a bump in size to 4ft, still with a long 11-second period, but the wind swings cross-shore and the conditions become more marginal. The morning is definitely the pick.

After that, Friday the 21st drops back to 3ft NW swell, with a 9-second period and moderate energy. The morning is clean again with a cross-off breeze, but it’s nothing special.

So, if you’re looking for a wave, set your sights on Thursday morning the 20th at Playa de Arrigunaga. It’s a long wait, but that’s the one that’s worth the paddle.

Rusty

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