Rincon, Puerto Rico Surf Forecast – May 17, 2019

Rincon’s heatwave to continue – background swell to cool off.

It’s hot and it’s only getting hotter. Fortunately we should see some little background swell persist in the water through the next 4 days. More exposed breaks on the island should continue with rideable surf. Rincon will be perfect for surf lessons, little kids, and really bored longboarders. Escaping the heat by jumping in the ocean sounds good. Just try not to get super roasted by the intense sun. Every summer in Rincon is hot, but wow this past week was a scorcher! Long rangers are continuing to see more long period swell on the horizon. This has already been a fun May, it might get better. Is it too much to ask that after the worst season ever, we have the best summer on record?

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.