Ribanceira Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let's get into it. The surf's looking a bit slow to start, but we've got a solid run of waves coming through.

The first few days are a washout. Thursday the 20th of August is a total write-off with tiny, 2-foot onshore slop, so don't even bother. We'll have to wait for the action to kick in.

Friday morning the 21st sees a change. The swell picks up to 5 feet from the SSW, period a short 7 seconds, but the wind is offshore and clean. It's surfable, but nothing to write home about. The real show starts on Saturday the 22nd. That morning we've got 7 feet of S swell with a light offshore breeze, and the combined energy is already pumping at 792 (moderate). By Saturday afternoon, it jumps to 8 feet from the S, and the energy rockets up to 1604 (strong). The conditions are looking very good, with clean, cross-off winds.

Sunday the 23rd keeps the quality high. The morning has 6 feet of S swell, glassy offshore wind, and an energy reading of 875 (moderate). The afternoon pushes it to 7 feet with a 12-second period (groundswell) and energy hits 1299 (strong). This is a standout session.

Now, Monday the 24th is the big one. The morning brings a solid 10 feet of S swell with a very long 16-second period. The energy is a massive 4132 (very strong). This is excellent, but only for experienced surfers, as it's over 8 feet. The wind is light offshore, so it will be clean. This is your best bet for the whole forecast period, but it's a big, powerful wave. The afternoon drops to 8 feet, but the wind goes cross-shore, making it messier.

Tuesday the 25th morning is a treat. The swell drops to 7 feet from the S, still a nice 13-second period, but the wind is glassy. The energy is 1376 (strong). This is a perfect window for the intermediate crowd, with clean, calm conditions. The afternoon goes onshore, so get out early.

The quality falls off a cliff after Tuesday. From Wednesday the 26th through to the end of August, it's all onshore wind and junk. We're looking at a solid 5-day gap of poor surf. The swell drops, and the wind is from the NNE, ruining the shape.

We get a tiny glimmer on Friday the 4th of September. The morning brings 5 feet from the S with a gentle offshore wind, and the energy is 553 (moderate). The afternoon is similar with 5 feet. It's a return to good, clean conditions, but it's a long way off, so keep an eye on it.

The water temp is about 67°, which is pretty normal for this time of year here at Ribanceira.

For the standout, hands down, it's Monday the 24th of August morning. That 10-foot S swell with a 16-second period and light offshore wind is a dream for the experienced crew. The energy is insane. The secondary pick is Tuesday the 25th morning for the glassy, 7-foot perfection.

Rusty.

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