Praia da Vila Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for Praia da Vila. This is a very consistent sandbar break, exposed to the swell, and the optimum direction for it is from the SSE. Water temp is sitting at 60°, which is a massive 6° colder than usual for this time of year – that’s seriously unusual, so you’ll want a thick steamer.

The week kicks off pretty quiet. Thursday the 16th sees clean, lined-up waves around 3ft from the ESE with a 10-second period and moderate wave energy (216). The wind is a cross-offshore, so conditions will be tidy, but the surf quality is only marginal. Friday the 17th drops right off to tiny 2-2ft with no real energy – a write-off for a paddle. Saturday the 18th morning sees a jump to 6ft from the ENE, but the period is short at 8 seconds and the energy is strong (523). That short period makes for fat, crumbly waves, and combined with the 12 mph cross-off wind, it’s more of a windswell mess than anything clean. Afternoon drops to a tiny 0.7ft. Sunday the 19th is flat with weak energy.

Now, Monday the 20th is where things get interesting. The morning is glassy – dead calm wind – with a solid 5ft ENE swell. The energy is moderate (341) and the waves will be clean as a whistle. That afternoon the wind goes offshore, keeping things tidy at 5ft. This is the first true standout of the period. The short period (8 seconds) means it’ll be a bit fat at the beach, but with glass and offshore conditions, it’ll be super fun for intermediates.

Tuesday the 21st goes sour with a WSW onshore breeze and messy cross-on conditions on the 21st afternoon, despite a bump in energy (308). Wednesday the 22nd stays poor with moderate rain and cross-on winds, energy building but wind-ruffled.

The next proper standout hits Thursday the 23rd morning. Glassy conditions again, with a 5ft SSE swell – bang on the optimum direction – and very long 10-second period. The energy is very strong (551). Expect clean, well-shaped lines. This is a top pick. The afternoon stays clean with a cross-off wind, but the swell drops slightly to 5ft.

Friday the 24th morning brings another standout: 6ft from the S, short period at 7 seconds, but the energy is very strong (586). The offshore cross-off wind will keep it clean, but that short period means it’ll be a bit bouncy and fat on the sandbar – better for those with a bit of experience. The afternoon gets messy with a cross-on southerly. Saturday the 25th is blown out by a strong SW onshore, and Sunday the 26th is small and onshore – skip it.

Monday the 27th morning is another glassy gem: 6ft from the ENE, 7-second period, strong energy (620). Dead calm wind. It’ll be a bit short-period but glassy, so still fun. The afternoon sees a shift to a 3ft SSE swell with a very long 14-second period, energy strong (604) and clean cross-off wind. That long period will make for beautiful, drawn-out lines – a real treat.

Tuesday the 28th and Wednesday the 29th offer moderate, clean surf in the 3-5ft range, but nothing that screams standout compared to the others. Thursday the 30th morning is glassy with a 4ft E swell, long 10-second period, and very strong energy (506) – another top session. The afternoon kicks up to 6ft from the S with a gentle offshore, very strong energy (585). Friday the 31st is clean and rideable in the 5ft range but nothing special.

The real standouts here are Monday the 20th morning with that glassy 5ft, and Thursday the 23rd morning with the SSE swell at 5ft and glassy conditions. If you can only pick one, go for the 23rd – the swell direction is perfect for the break. Crowds are possible here sometimes, so get in early.

Rusty

Read more