Porto Batel Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the Porto Batel region over the next couple of weeks.

Straight up, I’m calling it as I see it: we’ve got a long stretch of doldrums ahead. The first week and a half are looking pretty grim for any kind of decent paddle. You’d be hard-pressed to find a wave worth getting wet for. The combined swell energy is a measly 37 to 41 (weak) right through the end of July and into the first few days of August, with wave heights barely a wobble.

On Friday, the 31st of July, it’s tiny. 1.0ft of swell from the WNW, with a period of 9 seconds. At least the wind is a cross-offshore from the N, keeping it clean, but there’s no energy to work with.

Saturday, the 1st of August, sees a bump in height to 3ft, but it’s a short-period, windswally NNW swell at only 6 seconds. The combined energy jumps to 184 (moderate), but that short period means weak, crumbly waves. The cross-off wind keeps it looking clean, but the quality is poor.

Sunday, the 2nd of August, is another washout with 2ft to 3ft of messy, short-period stuff. The afternoon brings a cross-shore breeze that’ll add a little chop.

The pattern continues all the way through to the 9th of August. There’s a bit more height on the 9th, with 5ft of NW swell (8 seconds) and combined energy of 275 (moderate) on the Sunday morning, but the wind is a stiff cross-off from the NNW. It’s still rated as poor surf conditions.

We finally get a glimmer of something more substantial from Monday, the 10th of August, through to Wednesday, the 13th. Swell heights climb to 5ft to 6ft, with combined energy readings in the 250 to 345 range (moderate to strong). The direction is solidly NNW, and the wind stays cross-off from the N. However, the forecast notes say these are “marginal surf forecast or questionable tide conditions.” For a point break like Porto Batel, which is exposed to *W* swell ideally, this NNW swell is a bit off its game. The period is short (6 to 7 seconds), so it’ll be a bit lumpy and weak. This is more interesting for a kite surfer than a paddler, to be honest.

The combined energy of all swells directed here for the 13th hits 345 (strong), but with a 6ft, 7-second NNW swell and a stiff 30 km/h cross-off wind, it’s still just poor surf. The swell is too short-period and on the wrong angle for this spot.

After that, it all fades again. By the 14th and 15th of August, we’re back to 4ft and then 2ft, with combined energy dropping to 151 and then a pathetic 39. The wind stays cross-off, but the waves are gone.

There is no standout here. This is a classic blank run for the area. Forecasts can change, but right now, it’s a waiting game.

Rusty.

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