Praia das Macas Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, let’s have a look at what’s on offer for the next couple of weeks. To be honest, the first ten days or so are a write-off, so don’t bother checking the cam until the second week of August.

The entire forecast period is centred on Praia das Macas. It’s an exposed beach break, and the optimum swell direction is from the NW, which is a decent match for what’s coming. But the wind is a killer. From now until around the 10th of August, it’s a constant cross-onshore mess, with a moderate to fresh breeze ruining any chance of clean waves. The wave energy is weak to moderate (85 to 202), with wave heights barely reaching 4 ft, and the period is short and jumbled. There’s nothing to get excited about—it’s a solid block of poor surf conditions.

Then, around the 11th of August, things start to get a bit more interesting. On Tuesday morning, we see a jump in the swell to 6 ft from the NNW, with a period of 7 seconds. The wind swings light cross-onshore, which is a major improvement. The energy jumps to 297 (moderate). By Tuesday afternoon, the swell bumps up to 6 ft from the NNW, period 8 seconds, and the wind turns onshore but remains moderate. The wave energy is now strong at 454. This is still a bit raw, but it’s the first real sign of life.

The standout window is Wednesday, 12th August. The morning session sees 6 ft of NNW swell with a period of 9 seconds. The wind is light cross-onshore, which will give you clean, workable conditions at the break. The combined swell energy is strong at 536. This is the best wave energy of the entire period, and the light wind will make it surfable. The wave height is right on the edge of being too big for beginners, but for experienced surfers, this is the pick. The NNW direction is a solid match for the optimum NW swell direction. The afternoon holds similar size at 6 ft, but the wind picks up to a moderate cross-onshore, so the morning is the better call. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so be prepared for a few others with the same idea.

After that, it drops off. Thursday the 13th and Friday the 14th see the swell fade back to 2 ft to 3 ft with messy wind, so don’t expect much.

So, the one true standout is Wednesday morning, 12th August. It’s not perfect, but it’s the only window where the swell size, energy, and wind align for a decent paddle. The water temperature is about average for the time of year, so no need for a winter suit.

Rusty.

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