El Sardinero - Primera Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the table for the next couple of weeks.

To be straight with you, the outlook is a tough one. We’re looking at a long stretch of poor surf quality, with only a couple of moments that might just about get you wet. For the first few days, from Tuesday the 21st right through the rest of that week, the conditions are really ordinary. The wind is mostly onshore or cross-onshore, the swell is small and weak, and the wave comment is consistently “poor surf conditions.” It’s a real bummer, but it’s just how it’s shaping up.

The first time we see anything that might be worth a look is Sunday morning, the 26th of July. The waves are described as “surfable but very ordinary,” but it’s the best we’ve got up to that point. The wind is a light cross-offshore from the WSW at 15 km/h, which should keep things reasonably clean. The swell is 4 feet from the NNW, with a period of 7 seconds. The combined energy is moderate, at 152. It’s not going to be a classic, but if you’re desperate for a paddle, it’s the only game in town that morning.

After that, we go back into a blank run. The next glimmer of hope comes on Friday morning, the 31st of July. Again, we see “surfable waves but very ordinary conditions.” The swell is tiny, just 2 feet from the NNW, with a period of 10 seconds. The wind is light and offshore from the west at 10 km/h, which will give it a clean face. The combined energy is weak, at 106. It’s an early morning mission for the die-hards only.

Then there’s another gap until Sunday morning, the 2nd of August. This one is a bit more interesting, but still nothing to write home about. The swell is 4 feet from the NNW, with a period of 7 seconds. The wind is a light cross-offshore from the WSW at 15 km/h, and the combined energy is moderate, at 132. It’s surfable, but only just.

The only spot on the radar is El Sardinero - Primera. It’s a fairly consistent, sheltered spot that needs a northerly swell direction. The water temperature is a notable 73°F, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – a full 5° warmer than the long-term average. That’s a nice bonus if you’re in the water.

Honestly, the standout in this 16-day window is a weak one, but if you had to pick, the Sunday morning of the 26th of July is the best bet. It’s the biggest swell of the period at 4 feet, and the light offshore wind will make it cleaner than anything else. But keep your expectations low. This is a period where the forecast is reliable, and unfortunately, it’s not promising. It’s one of those times where the ocean just doesn’t want to play ball.

Rusty.

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