Tres Picos Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on offer for Tres Picos over the next couple of weeks. Straight up, this isn’t a classic run – the wind’s mostly cross-onshore or onshore, and the scores tell the story. That said, there are a few mornings where things line up just enough to make it worth a paddle.

The water’s sitting at 68° and that’s a solid 6° warmer than usual for this time of year, so you’re looking at noticeably warm conditions for Tres Picos. You’ll want a spring suit at most, maybe just a rashie if you’re used to it.

We start off on Tuesday, 1st September, and honestly, don’t bother. Swell’s 3 ft from the SW with a 12-second period, but the combined wave energy is 612 (moderate), and the wind’s onshore from the SW at 6 mph. It’s poor. Afternoon drops to 2 ft and the wind swings cross-onshore. No go.

Wednesday the 2nd is similar – 2 ft to 3 ft in the afternoon, period climbing to 18 seconds (long groundswell), but the energy’s still moderate (413–772) and it’s cross-onshore. Marginal at best.

Thursday the 3rd sees swell building to 4 ft–4 ft, period staying long around 17–18 seconds, and combined energy hitting 994–1160 (moderate to strong). But again, that cross-onshore wind spoils it. Marginal, not good.

Friday the 4th morning might be the closest thing to a window. Swell hits 5 ft from the SW, period 16 seconds, combined energy strong at 1337, and the wind’s cross-onshore from the SSE at 9 mph. It’s messy but there’s energy – worth a look if you’re keen and don’t mind a bit of chop. Afternoon drops to poor.

Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th stay marginal at best. Swell backs off to 4 ft–5 ft, period 13–14 seconds, energy moderate to strong (659–829), and the wind’s still cross-onshore. Light winds on some mornings keep the surface okay, but it’s not clean.

Monday the 7th morning is another marginal shout. Swell 3 ft, period 16 seconds (long groundswell), combined energy 732 (moderate), light cross-onshore. It’s small and a bit bumpy but you could pick off a set.

From Tuesday 8th through to the end of the outlook, it’s mostly poor or marginal. Swell fluctuates between 2 ft and 4 ft, periods range from 10 to 17 seconds, and the wind stays cross-onshore or onshore. Combined energy drops into the moderate to weak range (332–925). Wednesday 9th afternoon gets a bit windy at 16 mph – messy. Not your week for clean waves.

The standout? Honestly, Friday 4th morning offers the most size at 5 ft with decent period and strong energy. It’s not perfect, but if you’re desperate, that’s your best bet. The rest of the run is mostly marginal with onshore chop. Tres Picos is a beginner-friendly spot, fairly exposed to the SW, and it’s consistent, but the wind’s been cruel. Crowds are sometimes an issue here – expect a few locals out if the conditions improve.

If you’re after clean glass, you’ll be waiting. The long-period swells (over 15 seconds) we see on a few days are better suited to points and reefs than this beach setup, so don’t expect perfect lines.

That’s the story. Not much to write home about, but there’s always hope – forecasts change.

Rusty.

Read more