Recreio Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. We’ve got one spot on the radar for this outlook: Recreio. Let’s get into it.

First thing you’ll notice is the water is sitting at 74°F – that’s about 4°F warmer than what’s normal for this time of year, so it’s like stepping into a bath. A real bonus if you’re not keen on a cold session.

Now, the surf story. There’s a solid run of south swell coming in, and the first few days are going to be pumping hard. Tuesday morning the 11th kicks off with an 8ft south swell at a long 13-second period, which is proper groundswell. But here’s the catch – that’s already pushing the limit, and combined with the 2,309 (moderate to strong combined wave energy) it’s going to be a handful. The wind is light and cross, but this is exposed and with that size, it’s really only for the experienced crew. The afternoon pushes to 10ft, and honestly, that’s getting into the “leave it for the experts or the kites” territory.

Wednesday the 12th morning holds at 8ft south, still big, but the wind goes cross-off, so the faces will be clean. By Wednesday afternoon, it drops to a more manageable 6ft from the SSE, still with a solid 13-second period, and the wind is light cross-off. That afternoon window on Wednesday is a standout. The energy is still strong at 1,517 (moderate to strong), but it’s clean, and for an intermediate with some nerve, this is your best early bet. The break is very consistent, so there won’t be long lulls.

Thursday the 13th you’ve got another 7ft morning with offshore northerly wind – glassy, clean, but again, that’s a big wave for most. It’s a high-performance day for the strong swimmers only. Friday morning the 14th sees the swell drop to 7ft, but the wind turns light offshore from the NNE, and the energy is still solid (1,382). This is another one for experienced surfers – excellent conditions, but the size is the gatekeeper.

Saturday the 15th offers a 7ft south swell with a light cross-off in the morning. Clean, but still on the bigger side. The crowds are noted as “often,” so expect company if you paddle out.

Come Sunday the 16th, the swell drops to 6ft, but the direction shifts to ESE and the period drops to 7 seconds – that’s short-period windswell. The energy drops to 958 (moderate). It’s cleaner in the morning, but the shorter period means weaker, lumpier waves. Not the same quality as the earlier south groundswell.

Monday the 17th brings a new pulse from the east at 8ft, but it’s short period again (8 seconds). That size with short period is a messy, crumbly affair. If you’re not experienced, stay out of the way. The energy bumps back up to 1,364 (moderate to strong), but the quality isn’t there.

From Tuesday the 18th onward, the swell fades fast – down to 5ft and then 4ft by Wednesday the 19th, with energy dropping to 198 (weak). Conditions become ordinary. There’s a gap of a few days here where it’s not really worth getting wet, until Thursday the 20th morning when the wind goes glassy and the swell is a tiny 4ft east. It’s clean, but it’s small. Friday the 21st is poor with onshore wind.

A new SSW groundswell arrives Saturday the 22nd morning with 5ft at a 10-second period, light offshore wind, and energy of 392 (moderate). It’s a clean, smaller window for a longboard or a fun board. That Saturday morning is your best option for a relaxed session.

Then, looking further ahead, a much bigger south pulse shows up around Tuesday the 25th – we’re talking 7ft to 10ft south swell with very long 15-second periods and massive energy readings of 2,094 to 4,351 (strong to very strong). That is a serious groundswell. But honestly, for Recreio, these sizes are too big for most surfers. The wind is clean, but the raw power will make it a heavy, heaving day for experts only. It’s a promising long-range call, but keep an eye on it.

The standout on offer: Wednesday afternoon the 12th and Friday morning the 14th are your best early windows for clean, big-wave surfing for those who can handle it. For the smaller, more relaxed session, aim for Saturday morning the 22nd.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty.

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