Backdoor 4 Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, mates, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you about the surf ahead. It’s going to be a real test of patience, especially right out of the gate.

We’re looking at a long, flat spell for our stretch of coast, and there’s basically nothing rideable for the first week. There’s a gap of several days with no recommendations at all. The swell window is just shut, and the odd pulse that does show up is riddled with short-period, cross-onshore junk. You’d be fighting a losing battle if you tried to make something of it. This is one of those times where you keep the board in the car and enjoy the beach.

Things finally start to look up, but it’s a slow burn. The first real glimmer of hope shows on Monday, August 25th. It's still not perfect, but we finally get some proper south in the water, with a couple of long-period pulses. The *Tuesday morning* window on the 25th catches an inconsistent 5ft of south swell with a 9-second period. The energy is moderate (365), but it’s crossed by a light westerly, which mucks up the surface a little. The *Tuesday afternoon* gets a better bump, with a 5ft south swell and a longer 11-second period. Energy ticks up to a solid 609, but the wind swings a bit more onshore. It’s all still a bit marginal.

The, we get a punch of wind on Wednesday, August 26th and Thursday, August 27th. The swell’s still pushing through, but it’s blowing a solid 19-22 mph from the west, which is just going to destroy the surface. It’s clean-up, messy surf. The conditions are too poor to recommend; you’d be wasting your time. The energy is strong, but it’s all for nothing with that wind.

Then, it settles down. Friday, August 28th is the standout of this whole stretch. The morning still has some cross-off wind, but the *afternoon* looks choice. We’ve got a 3ft south swell, an 11-second period, gentle offshore winds from the south, and clean conditions. The energy is moderate (201). It’s a classic, clean little reef wave in the making. This is the one to circle.

The final days of the forecast get small again. Saturday, August 29th has a brief northeast pulse that’s junked by a cross-onshore wind. From Sunday on, it’s back to tiny, poor surf. Nothing to get excited about.

As for the water, the temperature is about average for this time of year, so no shock waiting for you.

Alright, get out there on Friday arvo, and otherwise enjoy the time off.

Rusty.

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