Ribanceira Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s break down what’s cooking at Ribanceira. It’s a sandbar, pretty sheltered, and for the first week and a half, it’s mostly flat or average. There’s a good run in the second week, but you’ll need to wait.

Water temp is 66°F, which is right about normal for the season – no surprises.

There’s a big gap with nothing worth chasing. From now through the start of August, the waves are tiny, winds are messy, and the energy is low. Swell heights barely hit 3ft, and combined energy is in the 90 to 130 range – weak stuff. Mornings are clean but small, afternoons get chopped up by onshore wind. Friday the 31st has some longer period (12 sec) energy, but the wind is blowing 12 to 18 mph onshore, so it’s a wash.

Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th of August bring a bump to 4ft with energy around 335, but it’s cross-onshore and messy. Not worth it.

Monday the 5th of August we finally see a shift. Clean 4ft swell from the south in the morning, light offshore wind, energy of 272 – surfable, but still just okay.

Thursday the 8th of August morning is glassy with a 3ft south swell, energy of 159, but it’s small.

The real standout is Monday the 10th of August. That morning delivers a solid 4ft SSE groundswell, 15 second period, with a moderate offshore wind. Energy jumps to 821 – moderate, but building. By the afternoon, it’s even better: same size, 14 second period, fresh offshore wind, and energy cranking to 1272. That’s proper power, and the offshore wind will keep it clean. This is the best on offer.

Then Tuesday the 11th of August morning is the pick of the whole outlook. Glassy conditions, 5ft SSE swell with a very long 14 second period, and combined energy at 1229 – strong. The water will be mirror-clean, and that long period groundswell will wrap in perfectly. It’s going to be a great session for intermediate surfers. The afternoon turns cross-shore and tricky, so get out early.

Wednesday the 12th drops back to 4ft with light cross-onshore winds, energy easing to 440.

Thursday the 13th of August is solid too, with a 6ft S swell and offshore wind in the morning, and 5ft in the afternoon, both clean. The period is short – 8 seconds – so it’ll be a bit bumpier, but still fun.

Friday the 14th of August sees the biggest swell of the window, 6ft from the south, but it’s onshore with moderate rain. Energy is high (819 to 850), but conditions will be poor. That one’s for experts only if you’re keen.

So, a long stretch of nothing until the 5th, but the 10th and 11th of August are the real winners. Get on it then.

Rusty.

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