El Sardinero - Primera Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, it's Rusty here. Let's talk about what’s ahead for El Sardinero - Primera. The water temp is sitting at 70°, which is about average for this time of year, so nothing wild there.

Honestly, the next week and a bit is a real mixed bag. We've got some solid swell pulses coming through, but the wind window is going to be the deciding factor. For the first few days, we’re looking at a lot of cross-off and onshore winds, often with moderate breeze strength, which is gonna mess up the lineup. The sea surface energy is moderate for the most part, but the poor wind just kills the quality.

Things start to show a glimmer of hope on the morning of Thursday the 17th. We’ve got a 4.6 ft NW swell with a period of 11 seconds, light WSW offshore winds creating clean conditions, and moderate wave energy. It’s a solid option for intermediate surfers, and with the offshore wind, the waves should have some shape. Crowds are often here, so expect company.

The real standout, if you can wait, arrives on the morning of Thursday the 24th. That morning, the wind will be glassy with a light ENE breeze, and a 4.6 ft NW swell with a period of 13 seconds. The combined swell energy is solid. That’s a long-period groundswell, so it’ll have plenty of push and better shape. This is definitely the best on offer for clean, quality waves. The period is over 11 seconds, so it’ll be a bit more manageable for paddling out.

Then, there’s a promising looking window way out on the morning of the 30th of September. A 5.9 ft NW swell (11-second period) with glassy SSW winds and solid combined energy. This is a massive wait, almost two weeks out, so pencil it in but don’t hold your breath. It’s a long-range standout and very uncertain.

For the vast middle period, the afternoons quickly get cooked by onshore winds or cross-onshore breezes. The swell on the 18th afternoon is a big one – 7.2 ft at 16 seconds (very long period and a huge energy reading) – but with onshore winds, it'll be a messy, powerful beast best left for experts or those looking for a massive paddle. For most, that afternoon is going to be a write-off.

Overall, the session on the 24th morning is your best bet for clean surf. The 17th morning is a good runner-up. Outside of that, you’re fighting the wind. If you see a morning with glassy or offshore wind and a bit of size, drop everything and go.

Read more