Praia do Norte Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, checkin’ in from the coast. It’s a bit of a slow start, but we’ve got a few windows worth paddlin’ out for. The main show is at Praia do Norte, a heavy beach and reef setup that’s exposed to the west and handles a solid north-northwest swell. This spot is for the advanced crew only, especially when it gets big. Water temps are sittin’ about average for the time of year, so a springsuit or a 3/2 will do the job.

We’ve got a bit of a lull to kick things off. From Wednesday the 2nd of September through to Friday the 4th, the swell is small and the wind is messy. Wednesday morning gave us a clean 4 ft from the NNW with a weak 8-second period, but the energy was only 230 – just a marginal ripple. By Thursday morning, we’re looking at 4 ft from the same direction, but with a cross-off breeze from the NNE, it cleaned up. Still, the energy was low (126) and the period was short at 7 seconds, so nothin’ to get excited about.

Saturday the 5th of September morning has a little more life: 3 ft from the WNW with a 9-second period, cross-off wind from the SE, and combined energy creeping up to 153. It’s surfable but ordinary. Sunday the 6th of September morning is where it starts to get interesting. Swell jumps to 4 ft from the NNW, period stretches to 12 seconds – that’s a proper groundswell – and energy hits 553. The wind is a light cross-on from the NW, which puts a bit of a ripple on the face, but it’s still clean enough for a session. Keep in mind, this long-period swell (12 seconds) will be better at the reef section than the beach; it can break too straight in the sand.

Monday the 7th of September through to Wednesday the 9th of September is a write-off. Fresh cross-shore winds, lumpy chop, and the swell is either too short-period or just blown out. The energy is high (866 Monday morning) but the quality is poor. Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th aren’t much better – fresh cross-shore wind and lumpy conditions. Friday afternoon sees a 6 ft surge from the NNW with a strong 918 energy, but with 35 km/h cross-winds, it’s a mess.

Now, the standout period is the second week. Sunday the 13th of September morning: 8 ft from the NNW with an 8-second period, moderate cross-off wind from the NNE, and energy at 864. This is big, clean, and powerful – only for experts. The swell is over 8 ft, so it’s too big for beginners. The next morning, Monday the 14th of September, brings a strong offshore wind from the east at 45 km/h, with 7 ft from the NNW. The energy is 930, and while it’s clean and glassy offshore, that wind is so strong it’ll be hard to paddle into. Still, for the experienced, it’s a gem.

The real sweet spot is Tuesday the 15th of September morning. We’ve got 6 ft from the NNW, a light offshore from the east at 10 km/h, period at 8 seconds, and energy at 486. The wind is light and offshore, so the face will be glassy and clean. This is the best call for the whole 16 days – a solid, clean wave with a bit of power. Praia do Norte is a very consistent break, so it’s not a surprise to see it lighting up. The crowd profile says “sometimes,” so expect a few locals out, but it’ll be worth it.

Wednesday the 16th of September morning is another hidden gem: 2 ft from the WNW with a very long 12-second period, gentle offshore from the east, and energy at 281. It’s small, but that long-period groundswell and offshore wind will make for some clean, fun lines. The reef should handle the period well. Thursday the 17th of September morning rounds it out with 3 ft from the WNW, 11-second period, cross-off wind from the NE, and energy at 301 – clean again.

Overall, the first week is a bit of a dud except for Sunday morning, but the second week has a couple of crackers. The best on offer is Tuesday the 15th of September morning, with the Monday the 14th morning as a windsurf/kite option if you’re into that. For pure paddle surfing, Tuesday is the one.

Stay safe, and I’ll see you out there.

Rusty

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