Ribanceira Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab your wetsuit. Let’s check on Ribanceira for the next two weeks.

Right now the water is 61°F, which is about 5°F colder than normal for this time of year — winter’s definitely making its presence felt. The waves are flat for the first day or two, with some rain around Thursday afternoon, so no point paddling out just yet.

Friday morning (July 3rd) is where it kicks off. We’ve got a 8ft south swell rolling in, and the real highlight is an offshore wind from the SSW at 16 mph. That’s gonna clean up the lines beautifully. The combined swell energy is 1226 (moderate to strong) and the period is 9 seconds — not super long, but enough to give the waves some push and shape. This is your best bet of the whole run: get out there early Friday.

Saturday morning (July 4th) is another beauty. Swell a bit smaller at 7ft from the SSW, offshore wind from the SW at 6 mph, and the energy reading is 1688 — that’s some serious power. The period has stretched to 10 seconds, so you’re getting proper groundswell now. It’s still a bit big for beginners — over 5ft and pushing 7ft. If you’re not comfortable at that size, take it easy.

Through the rest of the first week, things start to drop off. Sunday morning (July 5th) is glassy with a 7ft SSE swell and a very long 11-second period. That’s a groundswell that’ll hold its shape well on Ribanceira’s sandbar. The energy is still strong at 990. Good pick if you prefer light winds and consistent sets. But by Sunday afternoon the wind turns onshore and it gets messy.

Monday and Tuesday (July 6th and 7th) see the swell dropping fast, and the wind turns onshore or cross-on. Not worth getting excited about except maybe Tuesday afternoon when a bit of cross-off wind and a 5ft south swell appear with a short 7-second period. Not ideal, but if you’re desperate you might snag a few fun ones.

Wednesday through Friday (July 8th to 10th) is mostly a write-off. Swell drops under 3ft, winds are poor, and the energy numbers fall to weak levels (134 to 225). You’re better off doing something else.

Then there’s a gap of a few quiet days until Sunday, July 12th. That morning and afternoon bring small clean surf — 4ft and 4ft from the ESE with a long 12-second period and glassy conditions. It’s not big, but the energy is moderate (475) and the conditions will be clean. This is the best option for the second week.

Finally, July 13th and 14th bring another pulse of swell. Monday and Tuesday mornings see 6ft to 7ft from the SSE and SE, with offshore winds from the SW and SSW at 9 to 16 mph. The energy hits 1127 and 1067 — that’s proper surf. Be aware, the period is 10 to 11 seconds — these are long period groundswells that might break a bit straight on the sandbar, but they’ll still offer powerful, clean lines. These are the standouts of the second week.

After that, the wind turns onshore from July 15th onward and the quality fades. There’s still some decent energy (1136 to 1299) but with cross-on and onshore winds, it’ll be choppy and messy. For experienced surfers only if you go out then — those 6ft to 7ft waves with the wrong wind aren’t for beginners.

So, Friday July 3rd morning is your best wave of the whole outlook. Saturday July 4th morning is a close second. For the second week, go for Sunday July 12th morning for glassy conditions, or the 13th and 14th for power and clean offshore winds.

Rusty.

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