Su Paulo Su Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve had a good long look at what’s on the menu for Su Paulo Su over the next sixteen days. Honestly, I’ll level with ya – it’s a pretty grim stretch. We’re talking a long, dry spell of barely-there surf, with only one real moment that’s got me even a little excited.

Right now, starting from the 12th of September, it’s all just small, weak energy – the combined swell energy is down in the 30s and 20s, and even dropping to single digits. The swell heights are tiny, 2 ft down to nothing, and the periods are short, 6 seconds or less. The wind is mostly cross-on or cross, messing up what little ripple there is.

Through the 13th to the 16th, it’s the same story – flat or near-flat with poor conditions. On the 17th, there’s a small pulse: Thursday morning brings 2 ft from the WNW with a 7-second period, and the wind goes glassy – dead still. The water temperature is a wild 82°F, which is 6°F warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s very unusual, feels like bath water. But even then, the wave comment says “poor surf conditions,” and the energy is only 31. It’s a tease, not a session.

The 18th and 19th have tiny surfable waves – 3 ft and 3 ft – but the comments call them “very ordinary,” and the afternoon winds spoil it. Then from the 20th to the 22nd, it’s back to poor conditions with a bit of cross-shore chop.

Now, Wednesday the 23rd of September – that’s the one. Su Paulo Su is a consistent reef break that’s exposed to the NW swell, and the optimum swell direction is NW – so this is a proper match. The morning shows a clean 6 ft from the NW with an 8-second period, light offshore wind from the east at 6 mph, and the combined swell energy jumps to 460 – that’s strong, punchy energy. The wave comment says “expect good surf conditions.” This is the standout. The 6 ft is a solid size – manageable for intermediates but getting a bit big for beginners. The short 8-second period means it’ll be a bit more manageable and less of a waiting game. The offshore wind will have it glassy and lined up.

But after that, it drops away again. The 24th and 25th are back to tiny, poor surf, and the 26th gives a small clean 3 ft morning, but it’s ordinary. The 27th is glassy but flat.

If you’re sitting on your hands, the 23rd of September morning is the one to paddle out for. Clean. Punchy. Good energy. The rest? Honestly, you might be better off waiting for the next system. This area tends to have lulls, and this is a long one. But forecasts can change, so don’t write it off completely.

Stay salty.
Rusty.

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