Praia Cardoso Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about the next couple of weeks at Praia Cardoso.

The surf window opens up a bit rough and then really delivers some solid moments. We’re looking at a mix of clean mornings, some solid swell pulses, and one huge spike of energy that’s only for the brave. There’s a little gap of nothing at the very end, so make the most of the good days.

Best bet on the whole board is Monday the 14th. That morning you’ve got 6ft of SSE swell, a nice long 10-second period, and light NNE cross-off winds. The combined energy is pumping at 1140 (moderate to strong). It’s clean, it’s got push, and it’s excellent for experienced surfers. The afternoon holds a little bigger at 7ft from the ESE, still clean with the same light cross-off. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there – just good, solid winter/spring vibes.

Right before that, Thursday the 10th is another standout. Both morning and afternoon serve up very good surf. The morning has 3ft S swell, but the period jumps to 12 seconds, and the energy’s up at 548 (moderate). Winds are light NNE cross-off – clean, glassy-ish. The afternoon gets even better: 4ft S swell, a very long 14-second period, energy at 594, and still clean. That long period will mean longer lulls between sets, but the shape on a point or reef would be unreal. It’s a beach, so the sets might push through a bit straight, but with the size, it’s still a cracker.

Monday the 7th morning kicks things off with a decent 6ft S swell, 10-second period, and light W cross-off winds. The energy is 603 (moderate) and conditions are clean. Good, fun surf to start the period.

The middle of the first week has a few more clean windows. Wednesday the 9th morning is glassy with 3ft S swell and light SSW wind – perfect for a smaller board. Tuesday the 8th morning has 4ft SSE swell with a light N cross-off, but it’s not as punchy.

Now, a word of caution. Saturday the 12th afternoon is a beast. 12ft SSW swell, but period is only 8 seconds, and the wind is a near gale from the SW at 34 mph. Combined energy hits 1663 (strong) – but it’s blown out, cross-onshore, and messy. That’s a kite-surfing day, not a paddle day. Sunday the 13th stays big and ugly with similar energy levels and onshore wind.

The second week brings another solid pulse. Friday the 18th morning has 8ft S swell with a 12-second period and NE cross-off winds, hitting 1879 energy. The afternoon gets even bigger: 8ft S swell, 14-second period, and 2194 energy. That’s a serious, expert-only groundswell. The conditions say clean, but the size and power mean only the best should be out there. The score suggests marginal conditions, so be ready for a challenging session.

After that, the energy drops fast. By Sunday the 20th, it’s small and lumpy with fresh cross-onshore winds. The last few days from Monday the 21st onward are tiny – 2ft and less – with weak energy. That’s the gap of several days with no real recommendations. We’re looking at a flat end to the run.

So, to sum it up: Thursday the 10th is the standout for clean, quality surf with that long period, and Monday the 14th is the best all-rounder for experienced crew. Don’t sleep on the 18th if you’re an expert and want a big, raw swell.

Rusty.

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