Praia Cardoso Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’m lookin’ at the next 16 days for our little slice of coastline. Honestly, it’s a tale of two halves: a whole lot of grovel and blown-out junk in the near-term, but a proper thumping groundswell sneaks in around the 24th – and that’s where the magic could happen if you’re brave enough. Let’s get into it.

Right now, Thursday the 20th, Praia Cardoso is a total write-off. We’ve got a weak 3 ft south swell at 9 seconds, combined energy of just 105, and a stiff 16 mph NE cross-off wind that’s keeping the surface clean enough, but the swell’s too weak for anything worthwhile. It’s a bitter pill, but the water’s 68°, a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so at least you won’t freeze while you’re sitting there waiting.

Friday the 21st gets a bit of a bump but the wind turns nasty. Morning sees 4 ft of short-period SSW junk at 6 seconds (combined energy 120) with a 19 mph WSW cross-shore that’s got it lumpy. By the afternoon, it’s a messy 8 ft on a cross-onshore SW wind at 22 mph – that’s proper fresh and choppy. Not even worth a paddle.

Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd are still messy. Saturday holds 8 ft of S swell but it’s cross-onshore and choppy. Sunday morning looks a bit cleaner with a light 6 mph WSW cross breeze and a 6 ft S swell at 12 seconds – that’s a long period, so better shape and energy (combined energy 1259), but the wind’s still cross and the score reflects it’s marginal.

Alright, here’s where your ears should prick up: Monday the 24th. Praia Cardoso is gonna cop a massive 10 ft south swell at a very long 16 seconds. That’s a deep, powerful groundswell – combined energy hits a whopping 5809. But here’s the catch – it’s predicted to be too big for this break. That’s expert territory only, and even then, it’s a monster. The morning wind is a light 6 mph W cross-off, so the face could be glassy clean, but you’d wanna be a proper charger. For the average punter, this is a spectator day.

Tuesday the 25th drops a bit but is still solid – 7 ft of S swell at 13 seconds (1617 combined energy) with a clean NNE cross-off wind at 12 mph in the morning. That’s surfable, but the score says marginal, so don’t expect perfection. The wind picks up to 22 mph from the NE in the afternoon, keeping it clean but a bit blustery.

From Wednesday the 26th onwards, it’s a slow fade. Swell drops to 5-6 ft with long periods, but the wind stays cross-off and the combined energy sits around 1000-1200. It’s rideable, but nothing to scream about. Thursday the 27th morning still has a 4 ft SSE swell at 13 seconds (620 combined energy) and clean cross-off wind, but the afternoon’s a 25 mph NE blowout – just skip it.

Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th are properly gutless. Friday sees 2 ft of weak SSE junk with cross-on wind, and Saturday’s a pathetic 4 ft SSW at 5 seconds (99 combined energy) – that’s practically flat and blown. Sunday the 30th is even smaller, 2 ft at 5 seconds (34 combined energy). Don’t even bother.

Monday the 31st through Wednesday the 2nd of September is more of the same – 4-5 ft of short-period slop with cross-on wind and rain. It’s grim.

Thursday the 3rd of September offers a tiny glimmer – 1 ft of SSE swell, clean with a light WNW cross-off, but it’s barely ankle-snapper stuff. Combined energy of 55. You could maybe get a mini-grovel in, but it’s not worth driving for.

And Friday the 4th of September? Another 8 ft south swell pops up, but it’s cross-shore and raining, with a combined energy of 2167. It’s the same story – size without quality. The light breeze on Wednesday the 3rd is about the most you can get excited for in the second week, and that’s saying something.

If you’re a kite surfer, look at Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd – strong side or cross-on winds and solid swell up to 8 ft. For paddle surfing, circle Monday the 24th morning if you’re a pro, or Tuesday the 25th morning for a more manageable, clean but not epic session. Everything else is either flat, blown, or both.

This is Rusty, signing off. Stay salty.

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