Rincon, Puerto Rico Surf Forecast – Mar 1, 2018

Massive Swell Event Begins Formation get ready to surf Rincon!

I doubted this thing for a while, but the models have been dead set on it’s formation long before the weather elements to make this event really existed prominently. Today is the first physical confirmation that the elements will actually behave as forecast. Notice the arrows around the low pressures in the NE United States? See how it more resembles an NFL down the middle running play? What your seeing forecast is something that just about every surfer has ever talked about happening, “what if, like, all the low pressures got together and formed one giant storm.” Historically, this does not happen very often in the manner that we are about to see. Appreciate it folks, we’re going to see something awesome happen here. The high pressure is already moving out more east and leaving the pocket open for the first batch of low pressure to hit the ocean. All the other nearby lows appear to be moving toward that pocket. Within a couple of days we should see for certain if we end up with the super-storm or not. As I watch the latest satellite loops I almost can’t believe my eyes – it’s actually happening. If everything stays on track we should see very large waves for the entire work week next week. Monday and Tuesday could be the biggest days of the season with sets well over triple overhead. Every tucked away nook and cranny should be surfable so pick your favorite “it only breaks when it’s huge” spot and have fun. If you are a big wave surfer, get ready for some of the biggest Tres Palmas we’ve seen in a while.

Short Term Forecast

We should continue to see perfect overhead surf with double overhead sets on Friday and Saturday with some head high to 2ft overhead sets on Sunday. The wind is forecast to calm down a bit, but with the super storm forming I can’t imagine the high pressure won’t have something to do with that as well so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bit more wind from the high pressure than anticipated. The latest forecast change puts some south wind in the mix which is common when a big storm and NW swell is being made. The north side of Rincon might be the place to be at times.

SAFETY WARNING!!!!!

That’s five exclamation marks. The massive swell event is going to create some very dangerous conditions in the ocean. There is always risk every time we paddle out. Even more so when the conditions are big. A fool ignores the risk, a wise person anticipates and prepares for the risk. How’s your leash doing? How’s the string that attaches your leash to your board? How long can you hold your breathe while getting pounded? Can you swim back to shore safely if the situation arises? Do you know the layout of the reef well enough to avoid getting pounded mercilessly? Everyone please be as safe as you can. If you’re out of your league, don’t paddle out and become a danger to yourself and others.

Using Automated Forecast Tools:

Remember that no matter what a computer model tells you, what you see on the beach might be completely different. That's why i go take pictures of the beach every day. These tools help give an idea of what to expect, but weather prediction is not always exact especially the further out you try to forecast. Surf forecasting takes into account the general correlation between past weather data and resulting surf conditions. Another thing to keep in mind is the difference between actual swell height and the face height of the rideable wave it creates. For example. When the waves are forecast to have a 6ft swell at 13 seconds or higher with a NW angle we normally get waves that most people would call double over-head on sets. Swell angle is also important, especially for shorter period swell (9-11 seconds). For example 3ft at 11 seconds from the NW will make a bigger wave than 4ft at 9 seconds from the NE. Normally longer period swell (13+ seconds) will be more powerful and keep the surf size a little better even if the angle isn't a direct hit to Rincon. Generally any swell less than 9 seconds is super weak here in Rincon unless it has a lot of west in it. Also, most NE swell under 12 seconds is weak and mushy. 2ft at 8 seconds is generally small to flat. ENE swell will almost never make it into Rincon unless it was something like 10ft at 18 seconds from the ENE.