Figueira da Foz - Cabedelo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s in store for our stretch of coast.

Honestly, I’m looking at a pretty lean run for the next week and a half. The surf just isn't cooperating. The first real chance to get wet doesn't show up until Thursday morning, 6 August, and even then, it’s a tricky one. The swell is set to build to a solid 7ft from the NNW, but the period is short at 8 seconds, so it'll be a bit of a messy, lumpy wave. The combined energy is strong (666), but the wave comment tells us this swell is predicted to be too big for Cabedelo. That size, with a short period and a cross-shore wind, is going to be a washing machine. Unless you're a die-hard expert on a big board, you’re better off giving it a miss. The water is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, about 69°F, which is a nice bonus if you do brave it.

The real standout, and I mean the only one worth circling on the calendar, is Tuesday morning, 11 August. That’s a long way out, so we’re talking about a promise, not a guarantee, but damn it looks good on paper. It’s a two-week forecast, so keep that in mind. The swell is pumping at 7ft from the NW, but the key here is the period: a juicy 12 seconds. That’s proper groundswell energy, and the combined swell energy is a whopping 1392 – that’s a lot of power in the water. Crucially, the wind is forecast to be a clean, offshore breeze from the NNE, which is about as good as it gets for Cabedelo. It’ll be smooth and clean. The downside? That 7ft is pushing into expert territory, and for a beach/pier break like this, a long-period swell can sometimes run a bit too straight. It might be a bit too big and powerful for the average surfer, but for the crew who knows what they’re doing, that Tuesday morning session is the one to aim for. Expect crowds, as it's a popular spot.

After that, the wind gets messy again and the swell drops off. The rest of the window is a write-off, with small, weak windswell and onshore or cross-shore winds that are just going to chop it all up. There’s a gap of several days with no real recommendations before that Thursday 6 August window, and then another gap leading into that Tuesday 11 August promise.

If you’re a beginner, forget about it for the next couple of weeks. For the experienced crew, keep your eyes on the forecast for that Tuesday 11 August morning. It’s the only real show in town.

Rusty.

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