Ponto Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let's have a look at what's on offer.

Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you – the outlook for Ponto over the next sixteen days is a tough one. This is a river-mouth setup that's exposed to the SW, and while we do have some consistent swell pushing through, the conditions are just not cooperating. We're looking at a long, flat spell with nothing worth paddling out for until we get into the back half of the month.

The next week is a write-off. From Saturday the 12th right through to the following weekend, the surf is small and the wind is mostly cross-onshore, making everything choppy and messy. The water temperature is sitting at a very unusual 73°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year, but it's not going to make the junky surf any better. You'll see the combined swell energy kicking around moderate values, hitting 265 on Saturday morning, but it's all a waste with that wind.

There's a glimmer of hope starting Wednesday the 16th of September, and it's really the only window to consider. The swell picks up a touch and the wind turns more favorable. On Wednesday morning, we've got a 3ft SW groundswell with a period of 17 seconds, and the wind goes light and onshore. The combined energy is a strong 412. It's labelled as marginal, but a clean 3ft on a long period at a river mouth could actually offer up a few fun ones, especially for the beginners the spot is known for. The crowds are often there, which is a bummer, but with the week being so poor, it might be quieter.

Thursday the 17th holds similar potential in the morning. Another 3ft SSW swell, period of 16 seconds, and a light cross-onshore breeze. The energy jumps to a strong 596, which is the best we see in this whole stretch. This is likely the standout. It's still only a marginal call, but a light cross-onshore and a long-period groundswell on a river mouth like Ponto can set up some clean, lined-up waves, even if the sets are spread out. This is your best bet by a long shot, but don't expect perfection.

From the 18th through the 23rd, we see similar small swells in the 2ft to 3ft range with onshore winds, keeping things in the marginal category at best. The combined energy stays strong, hitting over 500 most days, but the quality just isn't there to make a solid recommendation. The forecast beyond a week out is less certain, so keep an eye on it, but don't get your hopes up.

The last few days of the month, from the 24th onward, see the energy drop back to moderate levels and the winds get a bit stronger, so that window from the 16th to the 23rd is where you want to focus.

Bottom line: If you're desperate for a surf, keep an eye on the 16th through the 23rd, particularly the mornings with light wind. The standouts are Thursday the 17th for its higher energy, and the 19th and 20th for the cleaner onshore winds. But don't expect any fire. It's a waiting game.

Rusty.

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