Praia Cardoso Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty. Let’s talk Praia Cardoso in the next 16 days. The swell tries to get going a few times, but wind and size often stuff it up. The best window lands late in the first week and again into the second, but you’ve gotta pick when.

Tuesday the 18th of August starts flat—0.2 ft of south swell with a weak 8-second period. Water temp is about 66°, normal for the time of year. A light cross-off breeze in the morning and cross-on in the arvo means no reason to paddle out. Wednesday the 19th stays tiny and messy.

Thursday the 20th sees some life—morning swell hits 3 ft from the south with a moderate cross-off wind keeping it clean. Combined energy is 131 (moderate), but the period is short at 9 seconds—weak waves. Arvo blows out with a 22 mph cross-off gust.

Friday the 21st is where the size jumps but the quality tanks. Morning is a cross-shore mess. Friday arvo jumps to 8 ft from the SSW, but it’s lumpy with a fresh cross-on wind. Energy is 654 (strong), but the onshore wind makes it a mess—only for experts if you’re desperate.

Saturday the 22nd holds similar size—8 ft morning and 8 ft arvo—with fresh cross-on winds. Energy is strong (748 and 734), but still blown.

Sunday the 23rd drops a little to 7-7 ft with a longer 10-11 second period. Lighter winds—light cross-shore morning, gentle cross-on arvo—but the wave comment says marginal. Energy is moderate to strong (955 to 1151). The morning might be worth a look if you’re keen for strength.

Monday the 24th is the big standout—huge 10 ft south swell with a very long 14-second period in the morning, light cross-off wind, clean surf, and 3278 energy (very strong). But it’s too big for this break—experts only, and that long period can make beachies run straight. Crowds are possible here, so be aware. Afternoon stays 10 ft with a light cross-on and 13 seconds—still heavy.

Tuesday the 25th drops to 6-5 ft with a long 12-second period, but gusty cross-off winds (19-28 mph) blow it out.

Wednesday the 26th to Friday the 28th sees a steady fade. Wednesday morning has 4 ft at 11 seconds with light cross-off and clean conditions—energy 403 (moderate). Arvo drops to 3 ft. Thursday and Friday offer 2-2 ft SSE swell with 12-second periods, but conditions are ordinary to poor with increasing cross-shore wind. Not worth it.

Saturday the 29th brings glassy conditions in the morning with 4 ft south swell—but only a 6-second period (weak). Energy is 181 (moderate). Arvo jumps to 6 ft at 10 seconds with light cross-on. Marginal.

Sunday the 30th of August is the pick for the second week. Morning has 5 ft from the southeast with glassy conditions and a 9-second period—the wave comment says expect good surf. Energy is 408 (moderate). This is the clear call for clean, manageable waves. Afternoon gets onshore and messy.

Monday the 31st to Wednesday the 2nd of September fades into poor small surf with cross-onshore winds and rain—swell stays 3 ft to 6 ft but with short periods and lumpy conditions.

So, for the experienced crew, Monday the 24th is the big adrenaline hit—massive groundswell and clean, but only for pros. For everyone else, Sunday the 30th morning is your glassy window with fun-sized waves. There’s a slow start—the first proper surf doesn’t really show until Thursday the 20th, and even then it’s marginal—and a quiet stretch from the 28th to the 30th before that Sunday session.

Hang in there, things can change quick.

Rusty

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