Puerto Viejo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Lookin’ at the next couple of weeks for Puerto Viejo – it’s a slow burn, but there’s a serious pulse comin’ right at the end of August that’ll get the blood pumpin’. The first week or so is mostly small and ordinary, so don’t expect much until we hit that Friday the 28th of August. That’s the real standout.

The water temp’s sittin’ about average for the time of year, so no need to dig out the 5/4 just yet.

Let’s start from this Thursday morning, the 20th of August. It’s a mixed bag – clean cross-off winds in the afternoon with a 4ft SSW swell, but the morning’s got a bit of cross-shore chop. Thursday afternoon is the pick of the early days, with clean lines and moderate energy (351). Still, it’s nothin’ to write home about.

Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd drop right off – tiny waves, 3ft to 1ft, with weak energy (down to 135). The winds are clean, but the swell’s just not there. Sunday the 23rd sees a bit of a pulse, but it’s still small – 1ft with a long 16-second period, but the energy’s weak (160). Offshore winds keep it clean, but you’ll be huntin’ for a wave.

Monday the 24th and Tuesday the 25th are more of the same – tiny, weak, and only a few knee-high dribblers. The energy’s mostly under 100, so honestly, it’s a bit of a flat spell.

Then Wednesday the 26th and Thursday the 27th show a little life – clean cross-off winds and a building swell. Thursday afternoon the 27th has a 2ft WSW groundswell with a 20-second period, and energy’s up to 453. It’s clean, but still small.

Now here’s the money shot. Friday the 28th of August – that’s the one. Morning sees 5ft SW groundswell with a 17-second period, and the energy’s cranked up to 1356. The wind’s near glassy, cross-off, and the waves are clean. Afternoon gets even better – 6ft SW, 16-second period, and energy’s at 1571. This is proper, powerful groundswell – best for the point and reef sections at Puerto Viejo, where those long lines will reel. The break is a point-and-beach setup, so the point will handle that long period nicely. This is for experienced surfers only – over 5ft, so beginners should sit this one out. Crowds are often, so expect company.

Saturday the 29th of August holds solid – 5ft SW in the morning, clean cross-off, then 5ft SW in the afternoon with offshore winds. Energy’s still strong (1045 and 945). This is another great day, but the Friday is the standout.

From Sunday the 30th of August onward, the swell fades. Monday the 31st has a bit of cross-on wind in the morning, but the afternoon cleans up with 4ft SSW and offshore breeze. The first few days of September are small again – 2ft to 4ft, with clean conditions but not much push. The 2nd and 3rd of September have some moderate energy (up to 633) and long periods, but it’s back to knee-high territory.

So bottom line: the first week is a write-off unless you’re desperate. The real action is Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th of August – that’s your window. Get it while it’s hot.

Rusty.

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