Ribanceira Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, and I’ve got my eye on Ribanceira. This sandbar setup is a bit of a sheltered spot, so it takes a specific kind of swell to get it going. For the next 16 days, there’s a bit of a slow start, but we’ve got a couple of windows that are worth getting excited about.

We’re on a bit of a dry spell right at the beginning. The first proper surf to speak of doesn’t kick in until Monday morning, the 7th. Before that, it’s a no-go.

The first real standout is the morning of Monday, the 7th. We’ve got a clean 6ft swell from the S with a 10-second period, and the wind is light and offshore from the SW (6 mph). The water’s sitting at 65°, which is pretty average for this time of year. The wave energy is moderate (557), and it’s going to be clean. The swell is a bit over 5ft, so it’s not a beginner’s session, but for an intermediate, it’s a solid start. The optimum swell direction here is S, so this is right on the money.

The next big one that’s got me talking is Sunday morning, the 13th of September. This is the session to plan for. We’re looking at a 8ft S swell (10-second period) with a light offshore breeze from the SW (6 mph). The combined energy is strong (1090), and the forecast is for very good surf. At 8ft, this is getting into expert territory, so if you’re not comfortable in solid waves, maybe sit this one out. For the rest of you, it’s going to be a proper session.

Then, about a week later, on Thursday morning, the 17th of September, we’ve got another high-quality window. A 6ft S swell (12-second period) with glassy conditions – a slight air from the SSW at 3 mph. The energy is strong again (1017), and the forecast is very good. This is a longer-period groundswell, so it’ll have more push and shape, but at a beach break like this, it might be a bit too straight. Still, with the wind dead calm, it’s a beautiful prospect.

The following Monday, the 21st, also has some promise with a consistent 6ft E swell and solid offshore winds (9-12 mph from the SW). The energy is moderate (651), and the forecast is for good surf. It’s a good option for the end of the run.

Overall, the first week is a bit thin, but the 13th and the 17th are the clear standouts. Don’t sleep on the 7th either, if you want a clean, solid session. The crowds here are “sometimes,” so you might have some company, but it’s not a circus.

Rusty.

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