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Surf forecast for Silverbacks

Tide
⏱️s.
⚡️kJ
Timezone:
America/Panama
Forecast updated:
02/07, 01:00 am
Wind: SN UNITY Atmos
(20260702 00z)
Waves: SN UNITY WAVE
(20260702 00z)
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Timeline

Tomorrow Thu 02/07 to Fri 03/07
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Silverbacks Surf Forecast Guide

Overview

Silverbacks is Bocas del Toro's big-wave spot and the only right-hand reefbreak in the zone, sitting off Bastimientos and breaking over coral. It stays docile for most of the year, then thumps its chest through the winter months. When it turns on, it sucks up huge volumes of water and hurls them at a shallow ledge, throwing large, intense kegs that are as short as they are heavy. The menacing name fits a muscular, angry wave.

When It Works

The reef draws swell from northwest through north to east (NW-N-E), with northeast swell the best match. It works from 2.4 m / 8 ft to 6.1 m / 20 ft, and the surrounding exposed beaches need to be overhead before it wakes up. Breaking over uneven reef, it is a right-hander that stays moderately consistent through the season.

Wind and Tide

Look for southwest offshore wind. Silverbacks can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.

Local Tips

This is an expert-only wave. Only experienced air-drop specialists tend to get much out of it, while a shifting peak and scarily long hold-downs punish anyone under-gunned or under-skilled. Bring longer boards, and maybe stash a backup in the boat, since Silverbacks has a reputation for snapping boards like twigs. Expect a quiet lineup when it works.

Access

Getting there means a 20-minute boat ride from town, and it is not a trip for casual surfers. Parking on shore is restricted.

Surf spots near Silverbacks

First Beach
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Beach break
Thu 2
Fri 3
Sat 4
Sun 5
Mon 6
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Beach break, Reef break, Point break
Thu 2
Fri 3
Sat 4
Sun 5
Mon 6
Silverbacks
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Reef break
Thu 2
Fri 3
Sat 4
Sun 5
Mon 6
Careñeros
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Reef break
Thu 2
Fri 3
Sat 4
Sun 5
Mon 6
Paunch
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Reef break
Thu 2
Fri 3
Sat 4
Sun 5
Mon 6

Frequently asked questions

What are good surfing conditions for Silverbacks?

Silverbacks is usually best with swell from northwest through north to east (NW-N-E), ideally northeast (NE) around 2.4 m / 8 ft to 6.1 m / 20 ft, southwest (SW) offshore wind, and any tide.

Where is the surf spot Silverbacks?

Silverbacks is a surf spot in Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama.

What is the surf break like at Silverbacks?

Silverbacks is a right reef break over uneven reef. Expect a fairly quiet crowd.

What surfing skill level is Silverbacks suitable for?

Silverbacks can suit expert surfers.

Is Silverbacks beginner friendly for surfing?

Silverbacks is better suited to expert surfers.

How consistent is the surf at Silverbacks?

Silverbacks has moderate surf consistency for Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Is there parking for surfing at Silverbacks?

Parking around Silverbacks: restricted parking.

What surf spots are near Silverbacks?

Other nearby surf spots are First Beach, Careñeros, Bocas del Toro, and Paunch.

What swell direction works for surfing at Silverbacks?

Silverbacks can work with swell from northwest through north to east (NW-N-E); northeast (NE) is usually best.

What swell size works for surfing at Silverbacks?

Silverbacks usually works with swell around 2.4 m / 8 ft to 6.1 m / 20 ft.

What wind direction is best for surfing at Silverbacks?

Southwest (SW) offshore wind is usually best at Silverbacks.

What wind direction is offshore for surfing at Silverbacks?

Southwest (SW) is offshore at Silverbacks.

What tide works best for surfing at Silverbacks?

Silverbacks can work on all tides. A rising tide is usually better here.

Confidence

Confidence tells you how much the weather models agree on the forecast.

  • High confidence: Models agree closely; forecast is reliable.
  • Medium confidence: Some disagreement; conditions may shift slightly.
    • Low confidence: Models diverge; treat forecast with caution.

We calculate the wind confidence by comparing wind speed, gust and direction from multiple models (like GFS, ECMWF, Arome, and Harmonie) and seeing how closely they match. For wave certainty we compare height, period and direction, also on multiple models. They are weighted, meaning that some models count more than others, depending on how good they are for a certain spot.

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Readme

Welcome! If you’re new to surf forecasting, check out this quick guide.

Forecast Table

The forecast table (the section on the page with all the numbers) is designed to pack as much information in the screen as possible. Although intimidating at first, it will help you make informed decisions about the waves faster, trust me :D. The table consists of roughly four sections, time and predictions, wind, waves, and tides:

🔮 Time and predictions section

Here we show the forecast thour and the overall surf quality prediction. This is determined based on the wave, wind and tide quality prediction. These individual predictions can be found on the forecast map.

💨 Wind section

The first row on the table (with the 💨 icon) shows wind speed, direction and gust. The more the wind speed the more aggressive the color (from blue, green, orange to red).

🌊 Wave section

The waves section consists of three rows, one for wave height and direction, one for period and one for wave energy. Our algorithm chooses the "dominant wave" using spot-adjusted surf energy (depth + directional fit). This is usually the first swell partition, but during local storms it can switch to wind waves. If that happens, values are shown in gray and italic.

🌒 Tide section

The tide section consists of a row with the actual heights per hour (measured at the half hour) and a table that displays the flow of the tide and the extremes (lows and highs).

Forecast map

The forecast map consists of arrows. These arrows represent all wave partitions (swell partitions and wind wave partition) and the wind. This allows you to see things like: a secondary swell or wind waves messes up the surf, or the wind is just a tick offshore so very surfable. Click a metric label in the bottom left to bring that arrow to the front — handy when arrows overlap.

Forecast Cheat Sheet

Short on time? Focus on wave energy. It’s the best single metric to gauge how big and powerful the waves will be.

Click any table cell to jump to that forecast hour. The map will update with forecast arrows, so you can see if wind and swell direction are lining up.

Use the table sidebar to switch units for height and speed.

Log your surf sessions to compare forecasts with real sessions and sharpen future predictions.

Models and Updates

Surfnerd blends multiple global and local wind and swell models using advanced interpolation and spatial techniques to create an "ensemble" forecast. Forecasts are refreshed hourly.

Surf Predictions

Our AI-driven algorithm scores surf quality, shown by green, orange, and gray dots. Each forecast hour is rated for wind, swell, and tide quality, then combined into an overall score. Here’s the scale:

Perfect
Good
Average
Bad or No Data

Session logs also feed the algorithm — the more you log, the smarter your forecasts get.

With Surfnerd, no more "you should have been here yesterday"

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