Back Strands Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming our way for the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, the outlook kicks off with a bit of a struggle. The first real swell window is far off, so we’ve got a long gap with pretty ordinary conditions. The water temp is sitting at 61°F, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – nice to feel that extra bit of warmth when you’re sitting out there.

The standout window is the last few days of the forecast, particularly the 23rd of September. That morning and afternoon at Back Strands is looking like the absolute pick of the bunch. We’re talking a solid 13ft swell rolling in from the west, with a period of 13 seconds – that’s proper long-period groundswell, full of energy and shape. The wind is glassy in the afternoon, and the water will be clean. The combined energy is massive, clocking in at 4617 – that’s some serious power. This is definitely for experienced surfers only; it’s going to be too big for beginners, and you’ll want to be on your game. The swell is coming straight from the west, which is the ideal direction for this reef set-up.

The 22nd of September is also worth a mention, especially the Tuesday morning. An 8ft west-northwest swell with a 13-second period, light offshore wind from the south, and clean conditions. The energy is still strong at 2318, and looks excellent for experienced surfers.

The 24th and 25th of September are also very good, with clean conditions and offshore or glassy winds, but the swell is dropping off slightly, so the 23rd is the true high point.

There are a few sessions in the first week that are surfable, like the morning of the 13th of September with a glassy 3ft swell, or the afternoon of the 14th with a clean 4ft swell, but they are ordinary and nothing to get too excited about. Most other days are plagued by strong winds, choppy conditions, and poor surf.

One thing to mention: the 18th of September morning offers a 8ft swell with clean conditions and moderate cross-offshore wind, but the swell is big and the wind is moderate – it’s marginal, so it’s one for the keen and skilled.

So, mark your calendar for the 23rd of September. That’s the one to aim for. A classic late-season groundswell with perfect conditions. Don’t sleep on the 22nd either, if you want a slightly less heavy session.

Keep an eye on the forecast – it’s a long way out, so things could shift, but right now it’s looking like a cracking end to the run.

Rusty.

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