Ponta Negra (Quebra Mar) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk Ponta Negra (Quebra Mar). For the next couple of weeks, this is the only spot in the game, and it’s a real mixed bag. Water temp is 72°, which is dead average for the time of year, no surprises there.

The first few days, from Thursday 16 July through the end of the following week, are small and clean but nothing to write home about. Thursday afternoon serves up a 4ft SE swell, 10-second period, with a light offshore breeze – that’s a solid little session for the intermediate crew, with combined energy around 345 (moderate). Friday morning is even smaller at 3ft, but still clean with a cross-offshore wind. From Saturday onward, the waves drop to 2ft to 3ft, mostly from the E, with periods down to 8 seconds. The energy is weak to moderate (under 200 at times), and the wind stays light and clean, but the surf is just ordinary. Crowds are “sometimes” an issue, so you might see a few heads, but nothing too bad.

Then we hit a slack patch from Monday 21 July through to Thursday 24 July. The swell disappears, the wind turns crossy or onshore, and the scores are poor. A few mornings go glassy, but the waves are too small and weak to bother. That stretch is a total write-off.

Now, here’s the real deal. Saturday 25 July is the standout. The morning brings a 5ft S swell, 10-second period, with glassy conditions – that’s a strong moderate energy pulse (532). Then the afternoon fires up: 7ft S swell, 13-second period, with a clean offshore breeze. The combined energy hits 1452 (strong), and the call is excellent for experienced surfers. That’s the best of the whole forecast. The swell direction is SE, which is the optimum for Ponta Negra, so it’ll wrap in properly. The long period (13 seconds) means the waves will have real power and shape, but at a beach break it might run a bit straight, so pick your peak wisely.

Sunday 26 July is still big, with a 7ft swell in the morning, but the wind goes onshore, and conditions are marginal. The afternoon gets messy with a 12 mph cross-onshore wind, so that one’s a dud.

The following week, from Monday 27 to Wednesday 29, the swell drops back to 3ft or less, but the wind is mostly clean or glassy, so you’ll get some small, tidy waves. Nothing special, but a nice morning session if you’re keen.

The last couple of days of the month, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July, see a bit more size from the S (4ft, 14-second period in the morning), but the wind is onshore or cross-onshore, so it’s messy. The energy is moderate, but not worth paddling into chop.

So, the bottom line: the best bet is Saturday 25 July. The morning is glassy and solid, the afternoon is excellent for the experienced crew. Don’t bother with the rest of the week after that unless you’re desperate for a small, clean froth.

Rusty.

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